EURO 2012: Portugal tops Czechs 1-0 on Ronaldo goal

9:18 AM, Jun 22, 2012   |    comments
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By RAF CASERT, AP Sports Writer

WARSAW, Poland (AP) - Cristiano Ronaldo scored on a powerful header in the 79th minute, sending Portugal to the European Championship semifinals with a 1-0 victory over the Czech Republic.

Ronaldo hit the post twice, then finally delivered. He headed a cross by Joao Moutinho straight at the ground and up past the flailing hands of Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech.

This was Ronaldo's third goal in two games and it rewarded the Portuguese for the relentless pressure they applied all match.

Portugal will play Spain or France in the semifinals in Donetsk, Ukraine, on Wednesday. It is one victory from its second European Championship final in eight years.

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Associated Press