Czech head coach Michal Bilek gives instructions during the Euro 2012 soccer championship Group A match between Czech Republic and Poland in Wroclaw, Poland, Saturday, June 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
June 17, 2012 - 8:45 AM
WROCLAW, Poland - Under fire for poor performances in qualifying and booed after a demoralizing loss to Russia, Czech Republic coach Michal Bilek is now an unexpected success at the European Championship.
Hammered 4-1 by the Russians, the Czechs looked set for only a short stay at the tournament until victories over Greece and co-host Poland took them to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2004.
Not only that, the Czechs finished top of Group A after their 1-0 victory over the Poles in Wroclaw on Saturday.
They could now face any team from a tough Group B — Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal or Denmark — in Thursday's quarterfinals in Warsaw.
Joyful and full of confidence, Bilek says: "Now, a medal is at stake. And we want it."
News from © The Associated Press, 2012