Warsaw: Czech Republic's Michal Bilek banked on a defensive strategy to keep Portugal at bay on Thursday but they ran out of steam and it was a matter of time before their Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired opponents capitalised.
"We boosted our defence. We knew they would attack," the Czech coach told reporters after a 1-0 defeat to a Ronaldo header in their quarter-final clash at Euro 2012.
"In the first half we managed, but in the second we were losing strength and it was easier for Portugal to move in and score. We knew we weren't on their level when it comes to football," Bilek said.
The Czechs barely tested the Portuguese defence and most of the game took place in their half but Bilek said he did not regret his approach. "If you open up against Portugal, they will punish you. It's very difficult to stop them," he said....
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09:30 AM, Jun 22, 2012
