Agencies

Geneva, Jun 12: Cristiano Ronaldo, tipped by many to become Euro 2008's player of the tournament, scored one goal and made another to give Portugal a 3-1 win over Czech Republic in Group A on Wednesday.

The victory at the Stade de Geneve put Portugal firmly on top of the group with six points and within touching distance of a quarter-final berth.

With the game level at 1-1, Ronaldo struck in the 63rd minute with a firm shot from a pass by Deco and then set up Ricardo Quaresma to add the third in stoppage time.

Ronaldo said: "It's a very good feeling. We've almost reached our first goal which is to get to the next stage. I'm very happy I was able to contribute with a goal.

"We played well. The Czechs played really well during the first half. It was very hard to penetrate their defence.

"We created a lot of chances and played as a unit. If we keep on playing like that we've got a good chance of doing well in this tournament."

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was also satisfied with his team's performance.

"I am pleased with the commitment and dedication the team showed," said the Brazilian.

"We had to suffer, but we played well. This shows that we prepared in the right way."

Portugal began better and after midfield probing by both taams, they went ahead in their first foray into Petr Cech's area in the eigth minute.

Ronaldo sped through the defence and tried to round Cech. The goalkeeper blocked with his foot but the ball ran free to Deco on the left who put it in the net at the second attempt.

The goal stung the Czechs into action.

Libor Sionko equalised nine minutes later after the winger had won a corner with a penetrating attacking run down the right. Sionko then powered a header past Ricardo from Jaroslav Plasil's corner.