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Portugal's defensive weakness |
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Thursday, 14 June 2012 12:35 |
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It seems like both Germany and Denmark's best chances came from doubling up on Coentrao and crossing in between Pepe and Pereira. Ronaldo offers almost no defensive support, so if van der Wiel decides to help Robben, Ronaldo will have to defend.
The good thing is that the Dutch usually attack centrally with inverted wingers. Thankfully, this will suit Portugal's defensive strengths. We are almost impossible to break down centrally with passing/dribbling. The Dutch can only beat us if they spread the field and pump crosses to Huntelaar and/or Van Persie.
The Dutch will likely drop either De Jong or Van Bommel in favor of van der Vaart which will leave their horrible defense susceptible to counter attacks. We have to be intelligent in possession (Pepe and Alves should stop smashing it aimlessly up the field), and we need to give Ronaldo and Nani plenty of time on the ball. If we test their bad defense, we'll win.
Portugal should be able to beat a very unimpressive Dutch side that's under a lot of pressure.
Portugal to win 3-1.
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