European Soccer Cup: Ronaldo's goal sends Portugal to semifinals

After his fine footwork failed to find the target, Cristiano Ronaldo knocked in the only goal Thursday with a thrusting header, sending Portugal into the European Championship semifinals with a 1-0 victory over the Czech Republic.

After Ronaldo twice hit the post, he finally darted in from behind his marker in the 79th minute with all the instincts of an all out striker and headed a cross from Joao Moutinho straight at the ground and up past the flailing hands of Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech.

"I remember in the last game I hit the post twice, too," said Ronaldo, who scored his third goal in the last two matches. "But the most important thing is I managed to score this time, we won and are in the semifinals. Now it is big smiles and good music."

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