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| Thursday, 21 June 2012 22:34 |
Portugal v Czech Republic player ratingsSelecção players rise to the occasion This Selecção team may not be as star-studded as some Portugal sides of the last decade and a half. But once again tonight Paulo Bento’s charges showed that every man knows his job and sticks to it with a determination and selflessness that can turn a good team into a great one. PortuGOAL runs the rule over the fourteen players who propelled Portugal into the Euro 2012 semi-finals with victory against the Czech Republic.
Rui PatrícioNot a save to make all match, Patrício’s most testing moments came when dealing with a series of back passes. He did so without problems and showed good distribution.PortuGOAL rating: 6/10 João PereiraAnother excellent match from the new Valencia right-back. Save one instant in the second half when Pilar got past him, Pereira defended tenaciously and lent good support to Portugal’s attacking efforts, especially in the second half.PortuGOAL rating: 7/10 Pepe It is getting difficult to find words to describe Pepe’s contribution to Portugal in this tournament. Before a ball had been kicked in Ukraine and Poland Ronaldo caused a stir when he claimed Pepe was the world’s best centre-back. The Real Madrid man appears set on proving him right. A timely interception to snuff out one of the Czech Republic’s few moments of real danger in the 27th minute was typical of another commanding display.PortuGOAL rating: 8/10 Bruno AlvesAnother rock solid performance from the Zenit defender. Imperious in dealing with high balls in midfield and unflappable in his defensive duties. Also improved his distribution in comparison to the group games.PortuGOAL rating: 7.5/10 Fábio CoentrãoAnother defender who is enjoying a brilliant tournament. Was Portugal’s brightest spark as they struggled to get their game going in the first half. Made an indefatigable contribution all the way up and down the left flank for the whole ninety minutes.PortuGOAL rating: 8/10 Miguel VelosoMaintained the high standards he has set in the first three matches. With the Czechs committing few men to attack, Veloso ventured forward more than in previous matches, and nearly played in Ronaldo on a couple of occasions with excellent diagonal passes.PortuGOAL rating: 7.5/10 Raul MeirelesMeireles’ best game at Euro 2012. Got through an immense workload, as per usual, and seemed dead on his feet at around the hour mark, only to find a second wind and finish the match strongly. Beautiful cross to Almeida straight after half time and clever low pass to Nani unlocked the massed Czech defence, but his team-mates did not take advantage.PortuGOAL rating: 7/10 João Moutinho Like Pepe, João Moutinho has been immense all tournament and today he turned in another magnificent display. Dynamism personified, the FC Porto player was unlucky not to open the scoring as only a fingertip save from Cech denied him in the 63rd minute. No matter, Moutinho would be the key to victory. His outstanding cross led to the game’s only goal.PortuGOAL rating: 8.5/10
While not afforded the same amount of space as in the Netherlands match the Portugal captain was again a massive goal threat throughout the game. Made full use of his uncommon strength, skill and aerial threat. Hit the post twice, the first time after a wonderful touch and turn to bamboozle his marker, forced Cech into overtime and finally put Portugal fans out of their misery with an unerring headed finish. With Ronaldo on this form, Portugal can hurt any team. |
Coincidence or not, Portugal improved significantly once Almeida replaced Postiga. The burly striker wears the air of a forward lacking in confidence, but his movement was good and if his aim was better the Besiktas player could have opened the scoring in the 46th and 64th minutes when he lost his marker but headed over. Did get the ball in the back of the net in between, but he had strayed offside.
Pepe has been our best and most consistent player. He is the leader of our very strong back line, and without him, we'd be lost. I said it before, and I'll say it again, Pepe is our most important player. Portugal's defense has restricted all of our opponents from creating many chances and this is mainly due to Pepe's brilliance.
Cristiano Ronaldo: A-
Our captain had his worst ever performance for the Seleccao against Denmark. Many people, including myself, were shocked with his performance. But boy, has he turned it around. He was unplayable against Holland, and fantastic against the Czech Republic. When he's on, no-one can stop us.
Fabio Coentrao: A-
Fabio was arguably our best player in the world cup 2 years ago, and he has been excellent this year. Once again, he's proving that he is probably the best all-around left back in world football. Defensively sound and brilliant going forward.
Joao Moutinho: A-
Hopefully, Joao Moutinho is finally starting to silence his doubters. He's been fantastic for both Porto and Portugal, and he's been excellent this summer. He is the heart beat of this Portugal side, dictating the play with his precise passing and closing down on opposition midfielders with his tireless pressing. Undoubtedly one of the finest midfielders in Europe.
Miguel Veloso: B+
After his poor performance against Turkey, I was very worried that Miguel Veloso would be overrun be the likes of Ozil, Sneijder, and Eriksen. Well, I'm more than happy that he's proved me wrong. He's managed to keep all three attacking midfielders from stamping their authority on the game with his fantastic positioning and marking ability. He's calm and composed on the ball, and he consistently shows off his impressive passing range. Class.
Bruno Alves: B+
Bruno Alves and Pepe have formed the most formidable defensive partnership in the Euros. His passing is at times sloppy, and his lack of pace is evident, but he has done exceptionally well so far. He's unbeatable in the air and strong in the tackle. Also, most importantly, he and Pepe haven't received a yellow card!
Nani: B
Nani has definitely showed flashes of brilliance while also disappearing in matches. His performances against Denmark and Holland were pretty impressive, but we still haven't seen Nani at his best.
Helder Postiga: B-
Postiga's tournament seems to have unfortunately come to an end with his injury against the Czech Republic. While he still gets pushed off the ball too often, and can often disappear in matches, his work rate has been incredible. He also scored a great goal against the Danes.
Joao Pereira: B-
Pereira still seems like the weakest link in our strong back four, but overall, I've been pleased with his performances. He's been pretty solid defensively while also helping out the attack. He was fantastic against Holland. That pass to Ronaldo was something Ozil would be proud of.
Rui Patricio: C+
Due to our excellent defense, Rui Patricio has rarely been tested. He's had almost no chance against any of the goals scored against him so it's hard to rate his performances. He's looked pretty solid with corners and set pieces, and he hasn't made any costly errors. He'll probably have more work to do against Spain.
Raul Meireles: C-
Along with Pepe, Raul Meireles has been Portugal's most consistent player since 2008. However, his poor form for Chelsea has seemed to carry on for Portugal this summer. As always, Meireles will always run his socks off for his country, but his passing/shooting have been way too sloppy. He made 2 or 3 great passes against the Czechs, but he still needs to improve his final ball. I'd like to see more from him against Spain.
As for the subs, Nelson Oliveira has played well. His hold up play, strength, and athleticism has been really impressive.
Varela scored a massive winning goal, and he's been a great impact sub.
Almeida looked ok against the Czech Republic, but he still needs to improve his finishing. Custodio and Rolando have been decent defensive substitutions.
- As long as Cristiano is in the mood, he'll be great. He was all over the field causing havoc. I still don't think he should be our striker since he's better when he has the freedom to roam.
- For me Coentrao was really great. I know that he ventures forward, but he's done a nice job defending.
- Which brings me to Veloso. I was never a fan, but he's changed my mind in this tourney. Maybe it's because I didn't expect much, but I think Veloso has been great. He's covered well when Pepe has had to go wide to cover for Pereira. Most of all I think that Veloso has been able to read the game well when defending and putting himself in the right position. He got blamed for the Dutch goal, but if you see the replay he had to step towards Robben because Moutinho was getting beat.
Worries
- I know that Alves has been effective heading the ball away, but he has looked slow in covering for Coentrao. On a few occasions I thought he should have been able to get to a ball out wide when he didn't. If its Spain, adjustments must be made.
- Pereira has had some really nice touches forward, but he's gotten beaten badly on defense. He was also awful at the end of the match when Cech was nowhere near the goal. He wasn't even trying to run out the clock, and it seemed as if he was oblivious to the situation on the field. I question some of his decision making throughout.
- I'm not as high on Nani as others. A couple of times he found himself in the middle of the field, where others have called for him to play, holding the ball to long. He's also held the ball for to long when out wide. I expect more and better from him.
- I still feel that we've been wasteful in front of net. We've missed on too many opportunities, and that just can't happen. If we face Spain, we won't get nearly as many opportunities. Just can't miss as often as we have.
We'll See
- I know striker is a concern, but I didn't think Almeida was that bad. He moved around and even stepped out wide to cover for Cristiano when he was inside. I don't think that he could chase as well as Postiga, but he's a bigger target for set pieces.
I still feel that Nelson is better off coming off the bench. Even then, he's looked out of sync with teamates.
I admit on being really high on Almeida while he was at Werder Bremen, but going to Besiktas was an awful decision for his career. I believe all Portuguese (except Fernandes) are for sale so maybe he could revitalize his career once again.
But this is not to say we don't also have the individual talent. We have the best player at the tournament, no question...plus IMO the best centre-back (Pepe) and Left-back (Coentrao) at the tournament. Fabio was immense for us and can clearly play as a winger for the Seleccao if this was ever needed. The only two players I have doubts about are Rui Patricio, who hasn't been tested yet (the Czechs offered nothing in attack) and looks very shakey at set-pieces...and Raul Meireles who's not having a great tournament. I'm starting to think perhaps either Custodio or Ruben Micael deserve to take his place...but he will likely retain it due to his greater experience. Moutinho and Veloso been great as has Bruno Alves (a real pleasant surprise as I was worried about him). I still think the best from Nani could still be coming.
What is great is that we proved against the Czechs that we can beat teams who "park the bus"...just like we can beat teams who come out to play like Holland or Denmark. This is a sign of a team that can win the tournament! Let's not get ahead of ourselves, but clearly from the semi-finals you have to be ambitious. It doesn't matter if it's Spain or France in the semis, both will be tough opponents...but if we continue playing as a team as we've done so far, we have a great chance of making the final....FORCA!!!
With the exception of Pepe, Coentrão, Moutinho and Ronaldo, I'd take a point or two from all of the above.
Whilst being positive and optimistic is good, we have to be realistic and say that any team capable of going forward with pace and precision [i.e. Spain or France] will cause our defence problems whenever Pereira and Coentrão push forward.
Alves may well be solid, but his lack of pace could prove costly against a better team. Likewise, Meireles may well run the length of the pitch for as long as need be and as such earn an A+ for effort, so far in this tournament, he has been reckless in attack and defence. For me he was awful last night, putting the majority of the attacking workload on to Moutinho and Cristiano [who were both brilliant].
Despite this, the attitude displayed by the team when faced with an impressively closed Czech defence was great to see. The team has matured greatly and only a fool would think we aren't capable of winning this tournament.
That is a more compact and offensively dangerous team. Bento, it's a minor adjustment that will make a world of difference! Forget Postiga and Almeida! Try this formation!
When Varela or Nani get tired, put Oliveira in as a striker and allow Ronaldo to take either wingers position!
Which ever team we face in the Semi finals, we must prove that we can win and win we must!
FORCA!!!!
His distribution was poor at times, and his general energy was lacking. Veloso looked nervous every time Meireles had the ball!
5 at the most. Custodio should be given the shackling responsibilities against Spain IMO
He seems to easily loose his marker and runs good lines and positions himself well in support. Typical what is required from a striker.
If other players would rather push the pass instead of taking a shot, he could have easily finished off with a few tap in goals on the far post.
The only negative is his heading. He heads the ball when not realizing that Ronaldo is just behind him and in a better position for that specific cross. So therefore gets a bit in Ronaldo's way.
I predict he could score the winning goal if Portugal reach the final against Germany.
Ronaldo
Pepe
Others that are close, depending if Portugal progress further are:
Coentrao
Nani
Moutinho
Veloso
And I understand the possible reasoning for keeping Oliveira in a late substitute role, but I see no use for Almieda in the next match. Both Spain and France play fairly open and like to keep possession, leaving us with great opportunities to counter. Almeida is slow and won't drop back to defend as much. I'd much rather Bento start Olivera and then bring on Varela or Almeida on late if we need a goal.
Almeida - Good height to match with the Czech defenders, but utterly useless like in the Turkey match. Not the same player since he left Werder Bremen. Extremely poor heading ability, slow, and usually in an offside position.. should try using his feet more.
Meireles - Portugal's worst player all tournament, looks like the new Carlos Martins after today's performance. If we had an adequate replacement, he would be benched by now.
Patricio - Not convinced, hasnt been tested much thus far.
As for players who have taken us this far..
Pepe - Excellent defending and interceptions that definitely has saved us.
Coentrao - He's been flawless. Superb defending, rarely ever loses the ball and bombs forward at every opportunity to assist our attack.
C.Ronaldo - Critics have finally awaken this beast. The man is on fire.. arguably has taken us from brink of elimination single handedly to the semi finals.
+Team found a way to score against a defensive team
+ Kept their cool and stayed on plan even though things were not going their way at first
+CR7 being CR7
+ midfield very underrated
+ Coentrao has solid all around game
Minus
-Almeida open quite a few times, but ball handler shot rather than passed (Nani a couple of times). Can't do that agianst Spain.
- Have to wait until Wednesday for the next game.
1) Pepe and Alves best center defending tandem in the world. I know many fans knock Bruno Alves but he is in better form than Carvalho. He plays his best with the Portugal team and is one of my all time favorite players.
2) Meireles is painful to watch, appreciate hiswork rate but at times his shooting and passing are frustrating to watch. We need a goal from him or one of the midfeld players at some point in this tournament to take the load off CR.
3) Moutinho has proven me wrong and his contribution has been very solid.
4) Rui Patricio gets negative reviews at timesbut he is by far the best GK in Portugal. He will be a good GK for the next 10 years. He will make the saves when needed I believe.
Not there yet; 2 more BIG wins to go...
Marchar, marchar...!!!!