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Page last updated at 08:49 GMT, Thursday, 12 June 2008 09:49 UK
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Czech Republic 1-3 Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo has continued his excellent form this season

Cristiano Ronaldo believes Portugal have a great chance of winning Euro 2008 if they can play as they did in the 3-1 win over the Czech Republic.

Ronaldo scored one goal and set up another in the win which put Portugal on the brink of the quarter-finals.

"Our main aim was to get to the next phase. I'm very happy to have helped my team-mates to win," said Ronaldo.

"We played well in the first match and again in this match. If we carry on like this, we have a good chance."

Ronaldo scored with a low drive to put Portugal back into the lead in the second half after Libor Sionko had cancelled out Deco's opener.

And the Manchester United winger handed substitute Ricardo Quaresma a goal on a plate when he squared for him to tap in late on and seal the win.

Ronaldo added: "We played very well, although Czech Republic played very well in the first half. It was very difficult to penetrate their defence.

Paulo Ferreira played down Portugal's chances of winning the tournament

"We know how to sacrifice everything for the good of the team.

"We have now got a big chance but must respect our opponents because they too have a mission - they want to win, as we do."

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was surprised with the decision of opposite number Karel Bruckner to start with Milan Baros up front rather than Jan Koller.

606: DEBATE
How did you rate Ronaldo's performance?

"We had planned to play against a starting XI that would include Koller," said Scolari, who later in the evening was named as the new Chelsea manager.

"The fact Baros was there didn't make life easy. We faced difficulties because they had four or five in midfield and we had two wingers so we didn't know what to do."

The victory maintains Portugal's 100% start following their opening-day win over Turkey.

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Cristiano Ronaldo was inspired for Portugal

Group A
16 June 2008 09:44
    P GD PTS
1 Portugal 3 2 6
2 Turkey 3 0 6
3 Czech Republic 3 -2 3
4 Switzerland 3 0 3

see also
Czech Republic 1-3 Portugal
11 Jun 08 |  Euro 2008
Scolari named as Chelsea manager
11 Jun 08 |  Chelsea
Bruckner buoyed by Czech display
11 Jun 08 |  Czech Rep
Euro 2008 day five as it happened
11 Jun 08 |  Euro 2008
Czech Rep v Portugal photos
11 Jun 08 |  Euro 2008
Czech Republic team guide
15 May 08 |  Czech Rep
Portugal team guide
15 May 08 |  Portugal

related bbc links:
BBC Sport's Euro 2008 blog
Your say - 606

related internet links:
Uefa: Euro 2008
Uefa venue guide: Geneva
Official Czech Republic website
Official Portugal website
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