WARSAW: Czech Republic coach Michal Bilek conceded the better side advanced to the Euro 2012 semi-final this morning after Cristiano Ronaldo's goal was enough to send Portugal through. 

 

Ronaldo was denied twice by the post and also found Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech in great form but the Real Madrid attacker pounced in the winner 11 minutes from time to send Portugal through.

 

Bilek admitted his team had struggled to pose a serious threat to the Portuguese.

 

"Portugal were  the better side, much stronger in a footballing sense," he said.

 

"Their attack was very good. Cech pulled off some stunning saves to keep us in the game. 

 

"We had wanted to play with a solid defence and rely on the counterattack, but we started to run out of energy during the second half. And one situation was enough to decide the match," he said.

 

Meanwhile, Czech captain Tomas Rosicky is considering retirement from international scene after the defeat to Portugal.

 

He missed the match due to an Achilles injury and the 31-year-old admitted he does not know if he will lead the team for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

 

"I know I'm not the youngest anymore," said Rosicky.

 

"I've had problems with my health, so I will take time to think. I would love to continue but I'm not stupid. I know I'm getting older and older," said the Arsenal man.

-mD