Czech Republic coach Michal Bilek proves successful at his 1st major tournament

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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)

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.”

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Abbey Westbury

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