Quarters in sight, Ronaldo & Co look to cut through

The Portuguese impressed more than the Czechs in the opener, with Cristiano Ronaldo and team mates pressuring the Turks from the beginning and staying in control throughout the match in Geneva.

Pre-tournament favourites, Portugal gained even more confidence with the victory, and their huge fan base in Switzerland are more optimistic than ever. Players are trying to be cautious, however.

“We have to prepare the same way. It’s another extremely important match,” midfielder Joao Moutinho said. “We know it’s a decisive match. If we get a good result it’s almost certain we will advance from the group.”

Automatic berth

If Switzerland and Turkey draw their match in Basel, the winner of the Portugal-Czech Republic match will automatically secure a second-round berth.

“We don’t underestimate the Czech Republic, we respect them a lot,” midfielder Deco said.

“We know it’s going to be just as difficult, or even more, than against Turkey. That they had difficulties in their match doesn’t mean anything.”

The Czech Republic, who reached the semi-finals at Euro 2004, opened with an unimpressive 1-0 victory over Switzerland in Basel behind a Vaclav Sverkos’ first international goal.

“Portugal is a different class than Switzerland,” midfielder Libor Sionko said. “We have to improve a great deal.”

Czech Republic coach Karel Bruckner, who concedes Portugal are favourites in Group A, will have all of his 23 players available for the match after right back Zdenek Pospech recovered from a virus and resumed training Sunday.