Portugal advanced to the semifinals of Euro 2012 as Cristiano Ronaldo scored on a header barely 10 minutes left in regulation for the lone goal against the Czech Republic on Friday, Manila time.
The Czechs stood their ground on defense and did fine until the 79th minute when Ronaldo finally broke through after hitting the post twice -- in first half stoppage time and then in the 49th minute.
Ronaldo met a Joao Moutinho cross and headed it past Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech at the National Stadium in Warsaw for his third goal of the tournament. The Portugal captain scored two goals against the Netherlands in the group stage.
The Portuguese will next face either Spain or France, which battle on Sunday.
The Czech Republic topped Group A but missed the services of team captain Tomas Rosicky due to an Achilles injury he sustained in the group match against Greece.
Germany takes on Greece on Saturday and England battles Italy on Monday.
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