Czech Rep v Portugal preview

Czech Republic and Portugal will both be looking to build on opening day wins as they clash in Geneva.

Portugal lived up to their billing as one of the tournament favourites as they cruised to a 2-0 victory over Turkey, while Czech Republic were less convincing in beating co-hosts Switzerland 1-0.

Whoever wins on Monday evening will all-but secure their passage to the quarter-finals, and the result of the later match between Switzerland and Turkey could then confirm their qualification.

Czech Republic coach Karel Bruckner is likely to resist the temptation to make changes despite his side's unimpressive first performance.

Vaclav Sverkos, who scored the winning goal against the Swiss, is therefore set to start on the substitutes' bench once again.

Milan Baros will also have to wait for his chance with Jan Koller starting up front on his own.

Bruckner, who has no injury worries to contend with, is confident that Czech Republic will be able to handle the threat from Portugal.

"Portugal have excellent forwards but we are ready for them after our rest," he said.

"They are not a difficult team to prepare for from a tactical perspective because they are quite predictable.

"Perhaps we have to be more creative to win this game but I have faith in my team."

Scolari confident

Luiz Felipe Scolari has also announced that he will name the same line-up that started against Turkey.

That means Paulo Ferreira will continue at left-back with Simao Sabrosa again getting the nod over Ricardo Quaresma in an attacking front three that includes Nuno Gomes and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo has seen the row between Manchester United and Real Madrid over his services intensify since Portugal's last match but he will be keeping his focus on Euro 2008.

Scolari is wary of the threat posed by Czech Republic but insists he has the players at his disposal to break down a stubborn defence.

"It will be the same team as the one that beat Turkey but we always know we have quality on the bench in the likes of Fernando Meira," he explained.

"His physical presence could be important later in the game because the average height of the Czech team is 1.84m.

"They are a very physical side but all my squad are in good condition and just because they are physical does not mean we will change our style.

"They have done well in previous tournaments and it will be a very balanced game."