Monday’s O Jogo lauded Portugal for a performance roughly translated as “This is Royal” against the Netherlands and expectations are now high for another regal performance when they attempt to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2012 at the expense of Czech Republic on Thursday.

All roads lead to Stadion Narodowy with the Portuguese priced up 8/11 (90 minutes) to turn in the same stellar performance which saw the Dutch end a demoralising stay in Poland and Ukraine on Sunday night in Kharkiv (Czech Republic 4/1 draw 12/5).

Headline-maker Cristiano Ronaldo (4/1 Euro 2012 Top Goalscorer) finally translated his Real Madrid form with a brace but the support cast of team-mates Miguel Veloso and Joao Moutinho should not be underestimated.

The Santiago Bernabeu favourite should be taken up at 3/1 (First and Last Goalscorer) to frank his form against a Czech Republic side which, despite finishing top of Group A, conceded more goals than scored.

Positive noises about the spirit of the squad at the Opalenica training camp were tangible and in stark contrast to Holland, viewed by many as a collection of square pegs in round holes.

Add to this confidence and momentum and suddenly Portugal look like dangerous opponents heading into the business end of the marquee tournament.

The Czechs never turned up against Russia but creditable wins against Greece and Poland is proof enough that Michal Bílek’s men should not be taken lightly, although a clean sheet against the co-hosts stopped a run of five games conceding in all competitions.

The Portuguese are by no means watertight so a high goals projection seems a fair suggestion but the attacking menace of Ronaldo, Nani, et al gives them the edge.

A Deco-inspired Portugal were comfortable 3-1 winners against Czech Republic in Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland, a game in which Ronaldo also found the net, and Seleccao fans will be hoping history repeats itself.

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