Euro 2012 Preview - Portugal
Absurd FIFA ranking: 5th
Coach: Youthful former pro Paolo Bento
Match Schedule:
June 9 – Portugal v. Germany (Lviv, 2:45 p.m. EST)
June 13 – Portugal v. Denmark (Lviv, 12 p.m.)
June 17 – Portugal v. Netherlands (Kharkiv, 2:45 p.m.)
Prospects: The Portuguese typically flatter to deceive at tournaments. They've clearly got the quality, particularly in the form of skillful, nippy little midfielders such as Nani and Raul Mereiles, but they rarely have the power to get beyond the quarter-final stage. They've been dealt a poor hand being placed in the Group of Death against two of the tournament favorites.
Key Player: Cristiano Ronaldo - like Lionel Messi, if "Skippy" wants to prove himself a true footballing great, he has to put a mediocre side on his back and win something big with them. No one cares how many hat-tricks you score against Real Betis, mate - now's the time!
Youngster to watch: Paolo Bento would do well to drop long-standing striker Helger Postiga in favor of 20 year old Benfica striker Nelson Oliviera who's been lighting up the Europa Cup over the past two years.
Who Will Get the Goals: Ronaldo will be well-watched by German and Dutch defenders, so that might create space for my boy Nani.
Who Will Get the Cards: Rugged Genoa defender Miguel Veloso likes to get stuck in.
Prediction: Just edged out of second place by the Dutch in that last group match on June 17th.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 9:30 AM
4 Comments:
I agree. The 'Geezers will fall just short again. I predict that their back line will let them down at crucial times, either with their thuggish tackling giving away dangerous set pieces and picking up cards that force line up changes later on, or by completely losing their concentration and leaving people completely unmarked for one-on-ones or free headers.
Yeah - I think Ronaldo will bottle it again on the big stage and then score another 40 goals next season in La Liga (yawn).
The uninspiring 0-0 draw with Macedonia the other day shows that they haven't learned anything.
There's a better chance of me starting for Manchester United next season than Portugal advancing from this group. There is no way Portugal will get anything for m Germany or Holland. They are highly overrated. Skippy will have a horrible tournament.Mr. Skippy, North Korea will not be participating in Euro 2012. Otherwise , he did nothing at the last World Cup.The only time he did something in important games was as a Man United player and only because he feared SAF.Who will score the goals. Some lucky bastard might get one. Who will get the cards? Probably Pepe of Real Madrid.Prediction : They will battle the Danes for the wooden spoon. I hear it might get violent when fighting for that valuable piece of silverware or wooden ware!
Another poor result for Portugal yesterday - turned over by Turkey 1-3 at home.
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