Injury forces out Portuguese striker Postiga from semis

Helder Postiga of Portugal is stretchered off injured during the UEFA EURO 2012 quarter final match between Czech Republic and Portugal at The National Stadium on June 21, 2012 in Warsaw, Poland.

Warsaw, June 22 (IANS) Portugal will miss striker Helder Postiga in their Euro 2012 semifinal against the winners of the match between France and Spain due to injury.

The Real Zaragoza striker had to be replaced by Hugo Almeida late in the opening period after suffering a hamstring injury in Thursday’s 1-0 win over Czech Republic, said the team doctor, reported Xinhua.

He would not be fit for the semi-final clash Wednesday, according to team doctor Henrique Jones.

“We are going to evaluate the extent of the injury more closely but even if it is not a serious one, it looks inevitable he will be out of contention for the semi-finals,” Portuguese media quoted Jones as saying.

“We are going to do all we can to ensure we get him back for the final, assuming Portugal make it to the trophy match July 1,” he added.