Czech Republic vs Portugal Player Ratings

The first game of the knockout stages wasn't the most interesting as the Czechs looked like they were playing for penalties with their negative style of play.

The game got off to a scrappy start with neither side able to keep possession and it continued till halftime. Unsurprisingly, Ronaldo was Portugal's biggest threat as he dealt their opponents' a warning shot by striking the post twice, before he ultimately proved to be the match-winner in the 79th minute when he headed home the crucial winner.

Here, ESPNSTAR.com takes a look at the players who took to the field at the National Stadium in Warsaw on Thursday.

Czech Republic

Petr Cech - 8

Cech showed what an excellent shot-stopper he is by denying every Portugal player who tried their luck from distance. Ultimately, it took a header from point-blank range from one of the world's best players to beat the veteran custodian.

Michal Kadlec - 8

Kadlec played like a man on a mission as he kept things tight at the back, but also bombed forward whenever he had the opportunity. The Bayer Leverkusen man saved his team on a number of occasions but all his hard work was undone after Ronaldo sneaked in to score the winner.

Tomas Sivok - 6.5

Despite being commanding in the air, Sivok struggled to contain the Portuguese when they were playing their quick one-twos on the ground. Sivok sat back and soaked up the pressure for large periods of the game, but relished every opportunity to go forward, although he didn't have many set-pieces to make an impact at.

David Limbersky - 6

Although he had a few embarrassing moments at the back when he was exposed, he did a good job sticking close to Nani and forced him out wide on most occasions.

Theodor Gebre Selassie - 6

One of the most exciting wing-backs to watch in the competition had his wings clipped in this match as he was instructed to stay back and defend, which had a huge bearing on the Czech Republic's shots-on-goal count - zero.

Jaroslav Plasil - 5

It was a disheartening performance from the instrumental midfielder. He could not keep possession in the middle as he was often overrun by red shirts and disappeared after the restart. 

Tomas Hubschman - 6

It must have been exhausting for Hubschman to be always on the back foot closing down players and trying to win back possession.

Vaclav Pilar - 5.5

Looked more like a left-back than an attacking player. With both the Czech Republic's wide players shackled, all they could hope for was the match to go into extra-time and penalties. 

Petr Jiracek - 6.5

Did all the hard work but there was no one at the end of it to apply the finish. With Pilar for company at Wolfsburg next season, there may be hope for the Czechs in the next few major tournaments should the duo be able to polish up on their understanding.

Vladimir Darida (61' off) - 6

Promising down the wings, Darida was a much better choice to Daniel Kolar but the Czechs could not keep possession long enough for him to create chances to hurt the Portuguese. 

Milan Baros - 4

His goal-scoring record is so prolific, even Kadlec has more goals to his name in qualifying. Baros is way past his prime.

Substitutions

Jan Rezek (61' on) - 5

Although this introduction of a second striker was a very positive switch from Michal Bilek, Rezek did not do anything worth mentioning in the 30 minutes he was on and everything went out the window when the Portuguese took the lead late into the game. 

Tomas Pekhart (86' on)

N/A

Portugal

Rui Patricio - 6

It is ridiculous to watch a team not have an attempt on goal in the knockout stages of such a prestigious tournament, which brings us to only one conclusion: Baros must have had a cut in Patricio's clean-sheet bonus.

Bruno Alves - 6.5

The big man barely had a thing to do all game with Baros failing to threaten the Portuguese. With a lack of quality deliveries into the danger area, all he had to do was tip-toe to head the danger away.

Pepe - 6.5

Pepe was reliable at the back and responded whenever he was called into action. Made a handful of interceptions and blocks in a relatively smooth-sailing game.

Fabio Coentrao - 7

A very lively display from the Real Madrid man who was always willing to make up ground down the left to allow his skipper to drift to the middle without getting caught out of position.

Joao Pereira - 6

Like the majority of his team mates, Pereira had a pop from distance which forced Cech into action. A quiet day at right-back as Pilar barely ventured forward.

Miguel Veloso - 6.5

His corners were poor by his high standards, but his overall work rate and the tackles won in midfield were impressive.

Joao Moutinho - 7

Could not get his Portuguese midfield to click into gear and lacked inspiration, but it was his driving run and cross into the middle that resulted in the solitary goal of the match.

Raul Meireles (88' off) - 6

The Chelsea man ballooned so many of his shots, Portugal would have been comfortably in the lead if just a fraction of them had been on target.

Cristiano Ronaldo - 7

It was a frustrating evening for the Portuguese skipper with decisions not going his way and he had to equal his previous game's record of striking the posts twice! Eventually reaped the fruits of his labour when he headed the ball past Cech after a late run into the box.

Nani (84' off) - 6

A mediocre game from the Manchester United winger. Although he made a few good runs and crosses into the box, his team-mates had to work overtime to account for his lack of intelligence on the pitch.

Helder Postiga (41' off) - 5

Postiga has had a very unconvincing competition and has so far proved incapable of holding up play and running in behind the opposition defence. Had to be stretchered off seemingly pulling a hamstring shortly before the break.

Substitutions

Hugo Almeida (41' on) - 6

Could not find a way past his Besiktas team mate Sivok. Standing at a massive 1.91m tall, he could not use his height to his advantage. The only time he successfully peeled away from his marker to score, he was flagged offside.

Custodio (84' on)

N/A

Rolando (88' on)

N/A