Match Analysis: Euro 2012: Czech Republic 1-0 Poland

There was everything to play for ahead of tonight's Group A decider between the Czech Republic and Poland, as a win for either side would ensure passage to the quarter-finals.

Both sides looked to be crashing out as half-time approached, following reports from that Greece had taken the lead in tonight's other match, but a single goal from Czech midfielder Petr Jiracek was enough to completely turn the group on its head.

It was a dominant second-half performance from Michal Bilek's side that saw them qualify as group winners, with Greece securing second spot to join them. The Poles crashed out propping up the rest. Read on for Sports Mole's analysis of the 90 minutes in Wroclaw.

Czech Republic statistics: Shots 12 On target 8 Possession 55% Corners 6 Fouls 21

Poland Statistics: Shots 14 On target 8 Possession 45% Corners 6 Fouls 21

Was the result fair?

Poland can have no complaints about being on the wrong end of this result. They had their chances in the first half, but were wasteful. The second half was dominated by the Czechs.

The Czech Republic's performance

Michal Bilek's men started slow, and looked lost during the first half in the absence of Tomas Rosicky. Although they raised there game in the second and played some good attacking football, we couldn't help but think that they would have come apart against world class opposition.

Poland's performance

The tournament's co-hosts played with fire and determination in the first period, but football is a game of two halves. Poland did not look like a team fighting for their lives during the second half, and were turned over by a Czech side who clearly wanted it more.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Vaclav Pilar: The winger was the driving force behind the Czech team. Pilar was involved in virtually every attack his team had and kept the momentum flowing in the middle of the park.

Referee performance

Scotland's Craig Thompson has his work cut out this evening. It was a heated game, with wreckless tackles in no short supply, not helped by the slippery conditions.

He brandished eight yellow cards in total, and kept a good level of control. However, he missed an awful challenge from Poland's Marcin Wasilewski that could have sidelined Milan Baros for the rest of the tournament.

Biggest gaffe of the game

There were a couple to choose from, but we're going with Pilar's early sitter. His performance may have been otherwise outstanding, but anyone's grandmother could have put away the opportunity he was gifted on three minutes.

What next?

Czech Republic: The Czechs bounce on into the quarter-finals as Group A winners.

Poland: Their first port of call is to find a new head coach as Franciszek Smuda announced his resignation immediately after the game.