After both sides were off to winning starts, Portugal and Czech Republic clash in Geneve, in a match that could decide the first team to reach the quarters from Group A. Luiz Felipe Scolari's Portugal were more impressive in their opening win though, but Karel Bruckner hopes a 'great side' can tackle the Portuguese on Wednesday. The European championships witnessed only one encounter between the Portuguese and the Czechs, when the latter were given the edge thanks to Karel Poborsky's wonder strike in 1996. Head-to-head: Portugal win: 0 Czech Republic win: 1 Draw: 0 Czech Republic "I think it's a bit unfair that we are coming in for criticism after starting off the tournament with a win," Bruckner said. "I think if we are realistic we need to improve our game in every area because Portugal are one of the favorites to win this tournament and it will take a great side to beat them.
Felipao will make no changes "I admit we are not as strong as them offensively but that does not mean we are a weaker team. We are strong defensively, play well as a unit and are clever tactically, so it has the makings of a very close game." Team News: Marek Matejovsky is back from an abdominal injury and could replace David Jarolim in midfield. Zdenek Pospech is also available, but is unlikely to take Zdenek Grygera's place on the right flank. Probable Line-up: Cech- Grygera, Jankulovski, Ujfalusi, Rozehnal- Galasek, Polak, Matejovsky, Sionko- Koller, Sverkos. Portugal "We have to make the most of our technical qualities. It will be the same team as the one that beat Turkey but we always know we have quality on the bench in the likes of Fernando Meira," said Scolari. "His physical presence could be important later in the game because the average height of the Czech team is 1.84m." Team News: Scolari has a full-strength team at his disposal, and the Brazilian is set to stick with the side that beat Turkey. Line-up: Ricardo- Bosingwa, Ferreira, Carvalho, Pepe- Petit, Deco, Moutinho, Simao, Ronaldo- Nuno Gomes.
