Bilek bows to Portugal dominance

Michal Bilek said Portugal were worthy winners after they defeated his Czech Republic team to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2012.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s 79th-minute goal was enough for Portugal to emerge 1-0 winners from the quarter-final at the National Stadium, Warsaw, on Thursday.

Real Madrid man Ronaldo struck the post twice and went close with a bicycle kick as Portugal dominated proceedings.

And Czech coach Bilek acknowledged Paulo Bento’s men have earned their place in the last four.

“The Portuguese were the best side, much stronger in a footballing sense,” Bilek said.

“Their attack is very strong. Petr Cech pulled off some stunning saves to keep us in the game.

“We had wanted to play with a solid defence and rely on the counterattack, but we started to run out of energy during the second half.”

Portugal will meet Spain or France in the semi-final at Donbass Arena, Donetsk, next Wednesday.