A second-half goal from Cristiano Ronaldo earned Portugal a win against Czech Republic and put them in the semi-finals of Euro 2012
The diving header from the Real Madrid star capped a dominant performance from Paulo Bento's side though Portugal may feel they should have added more goals against a Czech team that struggled to impose themselves on the game.
The Czechs had started as the more lively team with full-backs pressing forward and denying Portugal time to settle but there was little incisiveness about their attacking play.
A Petr Jiracek shot from outside the box was blocked by Pepe and Milan baros was close to connecting with a Vladimir Darida cross within the first 20 minutes.
Ronaldo and Nani were struggling to create openings for Portugal and when the former tested Petr Cech with a shot he was visibly frustrated when referee Howard webb ruled that he had fouled Michal Kadlec in the build-up.
The Portugal captain then had a chance with an overhead kick and narrowly missed with a long-range free–kick.
Portugal grew in stature as the first half progressed and though Nani claimed a penalty when going to ground in the box just before half-time, Webb correctly ruled that the Manchester United winger had slipped.
In the final moments of the first period, Ronaldo went close to scoring what would have been a spectacular goal. Taking a high ball in with his chest, he smartly turned Kadlec and unleashed a stinging shot that beat Cech but smacked off the post.
Portugal picked up where they left off in the second half with Almeida heading over before Ronaldo hit the woodwork again.
His 30-yard free-kick clipped the frame of the goal and it seemed like only a matter of time before Portugal turned pressure into goals.
Cech was playing his part for the Czechs, making a fine save from a Nani shot but an offside decision then frustrated Portugal when Almeida was adjudged to have mistimed his run before netting.
The Czechs were producing little in the way of attacking intent themselves and were fully occupied in keeping their opponents out.
Pedro Moutinho’s shot from outside the box was tipped over by Cech but his clean sheet was not to last for long.
On 79 minutes, Moutinho crossed from the right and Ronaldo ran from deep to connect with a firm header that Cech could not reach.
With a lead to defend, Portugal decided the best way to stay safe was to continue to keep Czech Republic on the back foot.
Joao Pereira had a shot from distance, Ronaldo had another penalty claim but they could not find a second goal.
Czech Republic had a last push in the dying minutes but could not find a goal to keep them in the tournament and Portugal now march on to play either Spain or France for a place in the final.
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