Portugal produced a strong display to overcome a much improved Czech Republic side and secure qualification from Group A..

Portugal

Ricardo: 6 - Not tested all that often, but had a couple of shaky moments, flapping at one corner in particular which, fortunately for him, did not cost his side a goal. Made one great save from Sionko which helped his rating.

Bosingwa: 7 - His pace was an asset in making a number of saving tackles. Wasn't prolific enough in possession going forward.

Pepe: 8 - A commanding presence as usual. Tremendously strong and fast which made him very hard to beat.

Carvalho: 7.5 - Swept up routinely at the back and rarely looked troubled. Did well to keep pace with Milan Baros on the most part.

Ferreira: 7 - Certainly gets an A for effort, particularly going forward and supplying crosses on his left foot despite being a right-back. Was not entirely comfortable with Sionko running at him, but hung in there to his credit.

Simao: 6 - Had a poor first half but became more involved in the second. Still seemed too hesitant in possession to make the difference; allowed himself to be closed down too easily.

Petit: 5 - Was poor, which will disappoint him after a good start in the previous game. Gave away careless fouls as he got tired towards the end of the game. Will be hoping he will keep his place in the side as he is playing his last tournament for his country.

Deco: 8.5 - Continued his good form from the first game and looked fitter as well. Played well in the build-up to the first and ensured the ball eventually got over the line. Also provided a smart assist for the match-winner and a great through-pass that eventually resulted in the third.

Moutinho: 6.5 - A little lost in today's game, but kept things moving and did the simple things well. Lacked the physical presence to impose himself against the Czechs' midfield.

Ronaldo : 8.5 - A consistent menace. Took his goal brilliantly, made a good run to eventually play a vital part in the opener as well and was selfless when playing in Quaresma for the third at the death when he could have scored himself.

Nuno Gomes: 7.5 - Understated but crucial. Played a smart reverse pass in the build-up to the opening goal for Ronaldo. Had a couple of decent efforts himself. Kept the defenders busy.

Substitutes

Meira: 6.5 - Defensively solid.

Almeida: 5 - Poor first touch, gave the ball away too often.

Quaresma: 6.5 - In the right place at the right time to tap in the third.



Czech Republic

Cech: 7 - Did his utmost to keep the goals out but was given very little chance. Made some good saves and was as reliable as ever.

Grygera: 6 - Somewhat positionally suspect for the first goal, but otherwise fairly solid down the right hand side.

Ujfalusi: 7 - A strong performance from the skipper, who stayed tight to Nuno Gomes and organised the defence well.

Rozehnal: 6.5 - His physical presence was an asset and he was a threat from set-pieces as well, but was positionally suspect now and again.

Jankulovsky: 7 - Stood firm on his flank and was thoroughly superior to Simao in the first half. However, he lost his legs slightly in the second, as Portugal were able to exploit the right as well as the left flank.

Sionko: 7.5 - A real threat down the right hand side. Took his goal very well and his running gave Paulo Ferreira a fair few problems. Got into several great positions and had some good efforts on goal; slightly unlucky not to score a second.

Matejovsky: 7 - Picked a few good passes and was better than Jarolim - the man he replaced in the side - but did n't get on the ball enough.

Galasek: 7.5 - Definitely the Czechs' best player, even though he was withdrawn towards the end when his side were chasing the game. Worked tirelessly, closed down spaces and doubled up with his defenders, making several saving challenges throughout. A performance reminiscent of him in his prime after a slightly laboured first game against Switzerland.

Polak: 7 - Not quite as impressive as in the first game, but a solid presence in midfield, though his influence waned in the first half.

Plasil: 7.5 - A solid creative force. Took good set-pieces and always looked capable of causing Portugal a problem when on the ball, but he didn't see enough of it.

Baros: 7.5 - Worked extremely hard for the team. Ran tirelessly and looked like the Baros of 2004, who finished top scorer of the previous edition of this competition.

Substitutes

Vlcek: 6

Koller: 6

Jarolim: n/a