Euro 2012: Czech Republic 1 Poland 0

The Czechs push Poland to the exit door as Petr Jiracek's goal proves the difference.

Poland's Dariusz Dudka, right, tackles Czech Republic's David Limbersky during their Group A Euro 2012 match, won by the Czechs 1-0 on Saturday.

A Petr Jiracek goal midway through the second half broke Poland hearts as the co-hosts suffered an early exit from Euro 2012 on Saturday.

Similar to their previous two matches, Poland were understandably backed by boisterous home support and they nearly gave them something to shout about early on but Dariusz Dudka's overhead kick hit the side netting.

Yet they should have been behind soon after and were grateful for Vaclav Pilar completely fluffing his lines in front of goal after Theodor Gebre Selassie had picked him out with a low ball.

The frenetic start continued, with Poland midfielder Ludovic Obraniak's free kick from a narrow angle hitting the side netting once more while Robert Lewandowski should have done better after slicing horribly wide with a decent sight at goal.

The Czechs, sensing an early exit from the tournament, showed more urgency in the second half as Milan Baros tested Przemyslaw Tyton from 25 yards.

The Czechs positivity was rewarded on 71 minutes though as a counter-attack resulted in the goal that sent Michal Bilek's side through to the last eight.

Baros teed up the supporting Jiracek in the area, who cut inside a Poland tackle to slot a low shot under Tyton to silence the home crowd as the Czechs advance as winners of Group A.

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