Verdict: Portugal did just about enough, and it will do wonders for their confidence that they were able to manoeuvre through a strong, physical Czech side, the sort of opponent that has done for them in the past. Their big name players are beginning to hit their stride too. The Czechs look a better team than I thought though, and no one would have begrudged them a draw.
Entertainment value: This tourney does seem to be getting better with age, just like women (or so I'm told). Plenty of chances with both teams willing to throw players forward.
Heroes: That can't possibly be the Libor Sionko who played for Pepe Le Pew's Rangers team. His header was brilliant, when you take into account that there are taller hobbits out there. He could have had another too, and showed glaringly that Paulo Ferreira is not a left back. On the other hand, Deco was magic for Portugal, and MOTM probably goes to Ronaldo who is beginning to find ways to shake off the posse of defenders that follow him around the pitch in these games.
Villains: Ferreira, as mentioned above, is clearly Portugal's weak link. And have the Czechs forgotten what Rozehnal was like at Newcastle? He's an accident waiting to happen.
The job ahead: Portugal's last game is now a dead rubber, so Scolari can rest players and think about the last eight. I reckon that they've not got enough credit for having ground out decent results against two teams (Turkey and the Czechs) who are actually rather good. Apparently a Turkey-Czech Republic draw would then require a penalty shoot out, and I don't fancy calling that match. But so far Bruckner's team have 3 points when they probably deserved 2 draws, so he'll be satisfied with where his side are, and the experience he can call on may be crucial.
L.
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