 |
 |
 |
| Friday, 02 December 2011 17:08 |
Portugal learn Euro 2012 fateSeleccao to face Netherlands, Denmark, Germany Portugal were handed a stern test in next summer's European Championships group stage this afternoon, with the Seleccao drawn against the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany in Group B.
Paulo Bento's men made heavy weather at times during their qualification campaign, but will now surely know that there will be no room for error once the tournament itself rolls around. The Seleccao have recent history with all three sides: Denmark condemned them to the qualification play-offs with a 2-1 defeat in Copenhagen (though Portugal did of course win 3-1 at the Dragao on October 2010); Germany eliminated them at the quarter-final stage of the last European Championships (3-2 the final score, with Portugal's goals coming from Nuno Gomes and Helder Postiga); whilst the Netherlands met Luiz Felipe Scolari's side in the notorious 'Battle of Nuremburg' back at the 2006 World Cup, with the Seleccao prevailing thanks to a solitary goal from Maniche. The full draw: Group A: Poland, Czech Republic, Greece, Russia Group B: Netherlands, Denmark, Portugal, Germany Group C: Spain, Ireland, Croatia, Italy Group D: Ukraine, France, Sweden, England. The fourteenth European Championships begin on June 8th 2012, with the final to be held on July 1st. Ben Shave |
If you read my previous comment, I said that I regretted that Carvalho was no longer part of the team, despite his diminished pace. However, you make it sound like Carvalho will be the national team's saviour,remember this, Carvalho took part in one of the most humiliating games ever by Portugal, i.e. that 4 to 4 draw with Cyprus at home. I'm not saying that he was solely responsible for that result but he was there. In the loss to Denmark Pepe and Coentrao were missing.
If people are going to keep talking about these players they will undermine the coach's authority, then Portugal is in danger of putting in a performance like they did at the 2002 World Cup, where the coach lost total control of the team.
By the way Chelsea 3 - Valencia 0, no Bosingwa. What's the count now, 3 games without him 3 shutouts? The reason I bring this up, is because I'm sick and tired of people rating this player higher than any other defender just because he was fortunate enough to be picked up by Chelsea.
FORCA PORTUGAL
End of April mark my words.. new jerseys.. for everyone.. which reminds me if they did these tournies in January they would sell more merchandise because of all of the new jerseys under neath the Christmas tree.. just imagine if they played the games when we had time off from work..
Maybe we should switch the schedules.. just a thought.. even though I love hitting the patio after a win...
I was under the impression that they weren't going to change for the Euro's.
Nike's site currently shows no change of kits. People have to remember it wouldnl;t just be Portugal changing kits. It's the manufactures that come up with the new motifs. Yes they go by the FA's color schemes, but the home and away motifs are up to the manufacturers. Just go and take a look at all the Nike, Adidas, Puma, etc... Int'l kits.
These are the two pics I saw online of possible kits. If the away kit is true I welcome it. Although the current one in eye catching, it looks too much like the Castrol Oil logo.
http://bit.ly/suDCkK
http://bit.ly/uKtqjL
Pepe is not a replacement for Carvalho he is an add on.. preferably at DM.
We all know The Horse and the Boss Winger will not play.. but it will not stop the conversation.. because it is a fail on both accounts..
Carvalho at 45 would still be a starter.. and Boss makes a good back-up off of the bench when we need offence. The talk of them being included will not stop.. anyone that would like it to is kidding themselves.. yes they are not options under BentOut but they are still options... more viable ones than we currently have.. Manuel DC is an option.. but not one at the top of the totem pole.
Also Larry remembers that both The Horse & Boss played on the squad when they lost to Germany.. but the fact was that at fault for the goals was Paulo InFerriora.. and the aerial wizardry of Ricardo.
Carvalho was not to blame for any of it.. Boss was though.. as he got beat a couple of times on his side by Swastika.. that resulted in goals.
But most here are clear that Boss is a poor defender.. the question is what can he add to our depth.. and offence. I would still prefer JP to him.. but who is behind JP? Amorim? Silvio who is decent going forward is a back up to Coentrao.. on the left.
Unfortunately on the way to the Euro Finals many Portuguese fans will get Bentout of shape.. we will lose a few players due to the manager.. and the results might start to swing drastically bad.. unless the players themselves.. play out of their heads.
Hey a DM'less team might work against the minnows of Europe but in the group of death it will create a bowling alley of strikes.
So Bentouts History and certain strategical formations odds on will play out their usual results and that is the only thing I am stating.. history has shown this.. but the fact is that previous NT's with inferior coaches still managed to get results because of their fighting spirits when pushed against the wall against strong competition.
I see at least Quarterfinals.. with Bentout fired after losing and drawing the first 3 games for WC qualifying.. and the wheel of Portuguese Speaking Management Retards spins round and round. If it ain't Mourinho or Paciencia.. then they should be kicked to the curb.. AVB for me is close but he needs to win a few trophies yet with Chelsea.. before I will be sold.
Im not concerned at all with Denmark, that was a fluke when we played them in Sept. Holland is offensively great, with Van Pierse and Schieder, but the defense is shaky. Germany would be the only tough match....I hope
We got this!!! keep the faith!!
Bring it on!
Al you doubters on here... sometimes you need to follow with your heart too,.. not just your head! FORCA PORTUGAL, vamos mostrar o mundo que Portugal consegue jogar contra as melhores equipes do mundo.
I too agree with them.
There was a comment that he made that actually worries me about Portugal.
He said about the Danes;
"At the WC2010 we played with too many unfit players. The players were selected out of experience and not match fitness. We played some terrible football, but we have learned a lot since then."
That is exactly what worries me about Portugal/Bento. We have already seen him selecting players that have somewhat of a name (previously selected) on the Int'l stage, instead of picking players that were match fit. Costa, Martins and even Micael to name a few.
If there's one thing we could have learned from the Germans was not to be afraid of playing and starting youngsters during friendlies. They get much needed experience, even if sat on the bench. Should they play, they just might surprise as well.
By all accounts Bento will be doing no such thing in preparing for the Euro's. By then, we just might have players on the squad that have had limited playing time with their clubs. Yes some bench players, but players that just might be needed to be called upon.
As Carvalho and Boswinga, neither will be on the squad, so let's forget them.
I also agree that Ramos will be moving to the interior of Real's defense. But if Carvalho is fit, it will mean that Pepe will move to the holding mid position. Mourinho will be rotating his midfield and defense accordingly.
I've mentioned how I prefer an older and experience center back, but it's really incredible how much a lot of them have fallen off pace. There are a lot of center backs on "Big" teams whose play has decreased considerably.
Whether it's due to the rigours of the game, loss of pace, injuries, tactics or a combination of all, the fact is that many are struggling.
As all of you have stated, I'll second it: this is gonna be so exciting and all of us can't wait, and Portugal gives it best in such harsh moments when the margin of error tends to be 0.001 bla bla bla...
I've been always optimistic writing on this site, still I'm optimistic, but let us be realistic!
I don't believe in revenge, both Denmark and Germany will play to win,so don't say that again that we'll beat them just because it's revenge!
As for Denmark, We can easily beat Denmark, we did it before, we'll do it next june this I'm sure!
Concerning Germany, as many believe, they're gonna be hard, we have a lot to do if we want to finish the 90 minutes with a draw with them! I think that a draw is all what we can get from a strong Germany, stronger than anytime before!They're machines, and everyone among them playing for his jersey, with an outstanding coach that I fully respect, and their addition in this euro is gonna be Neuer, one of the greatest goalkeepers all around Europe!I hope that our seleccao will prove me wrong, and get the win from the best favourite in this euro!
As for Holland, we can beat them, they're like Italy or England or even Croatia! Playing the world cup final is a big joke for those divers, they deserved to be outclassed against Brazil in their match but they were more than lucky to escape it.More to add, hopefully Robben will be injured as usual, Sneijder lost his form big time, they have a good goalkeeper, Van persie, Van Der Vaart are so far the only to fear, But I believe Pepe will stop them!Their defense is so weak, easy for Nani and Ronaldo to exploit!
Don' t feel frustrated because we didn't get an easy group, we're not black horse anymore, our aim isn't to do it to the quarter or even semi finals, we'll be there just to win coz we deserve it.So to win, you must play all, and u must be a beast to beat the best
So dear portuguese supporters, my comment here came just to summarize what you previously wrote, but I had to write coz I had to!
All thes best, and please again no injuries coz that's the only thing that I fear!
Forca Seleccao!:-)
The Danes when in top gear have destroyed many a giant.. the play as a team and win as a team.. our players would do well to learn from that example.
Wishing the Danes all the best.. except when we play let the best team win.. with any luck we'll have both scalped Germany & Holland and will be on the way to the Finals.
Cheers
It's going to be a very close group..logic tells me Germany will take one of the places, and the other 3 will fight for the other place...but logic is not always the reality...and even Germany might not make it out of this group, who knows? I think probably whatever happens in the end, there won't be much points difference between the teams...and will likely be very close! Good luck to you too!!
With regard to these comments about Carvalho and Bosingwa...forget about Bosingwa returning, that just ain't gonna happen while Bento is in charge. There's perhaps more of a chance that Carvalho could return (and I certainly hope he does given the strength of this group)...but it's also unlikely too...and it's best not to even consider it. We just have to hope that Pepe's brilliance brings out the best in Alves at the back. Pepe will be a huge player for us in the tournament...if he, Ronaldo and Nani hit their best form, we have a good chance to do something special!!!
If Portugal manage to play as a team I am sure you will make it far. However, as much as I love watching Ronaldo and Nani score beatiful goals I am so frustrated that the very same players are such prima donnas who sometimes seem to be playing only for themselves. You can only win the against the best when all play as a team. Sorry for saying it, but I think Portugal have to learn that.
As for Denmark our chances of success will depend on how many of our starting eleven who will remain fit. We only have a handfull of quality players and we depend a lot on them remaining fit.
At the WC2010 we played with too many unfit players. The players were selected out of experience and not match fitness. We played some terrible football, but we have learned a lot since then. As an example, only 4 players from the 3-1 defeat in Portugal are in the starting eleven today.
Anyway, I wish you guys all the best and good luck next summer. Maybe we will see you at the final *dreaming*
Bosingwa is not our best right back. Joao Pereira is by far a better defender. Bosingwa is a disaster on defence. AVB is starting to realise that fact. Today, Bosingwa sat on the bench and Chelsea won 3 to 0 against Newcastle. Bosingwa's contract with Chelsea will end this year and I doubt that it will be renewed.
Please let's not talk about these players anymore.
Have FAITH and FORCA!
Portugal are not favorities to win this. With Ronaldo, Pepe, NANI and others at their best, we can win this... If possible, I would like to see Carvalho play, @ least against the Germans, with Alves in the back, play PEPE as holding midfielder. If we tie Germany, we have a chance to progress.
If we go all out attack against the Germans, they'll destroy us on the counter attack. What we have to do is press them high up the pitch, but leave Pepe on Ozil. We probably won't be able to have well over 50% possession, but we can definitely move the ball around quickly and make sure that Ronaldo and Nani see plenty of the ball.
Holland are similar to Germany in that they usually utilize a 4-2-3-1, but with Sneijder more as a second striker than a midfielder. While their holding midfielders, Van Bommel and De Jong, are good defensively, Moutinho and Meireles are much, much better technically. It will be interesting to see how that midfield battle turns out as well.
When you see the world rankings
Spain Netherlands and Germany are the top three
England 5 and Portugal seven.
Did Platini set it up for France?
I am disappointed that a great tournament is already besmirched before it starts.
Reminds me of Henry's handball. PITY!
Adam not hating here just saying.. Carvalho is a Center Back..Fullbacks are actually RB's and LB's which is strange since most of the best ones are Never Backs...lol
I prefer to call Offensive backs as Wingbacks.. as they are more like Wingers.. but having played American Football and Futebol.. i know how easy it is to make the mistake especially for those of us in North America.
Anyways like i was saying not hating... I totally agree with your point about Carvalho who some say is old.. but since he never relied on pace or physicality.. and is more a cerebral player it hasn't affected him and he is still for me the best CB in the world.
Bosingwa too is a better offensive player than JP.. although not a good defender at all.. so it is 50/50 what it would do is provide us with more depth which we will need in a tournament.
Seriously we have been over run by Schweinsteiger the last few times on the right and it exposed a major hole in DM.. with the German's aerial attack. With Bento's penchant for a DM-less midfield that poses a major problem.. that could result in a few 4-3 results.. going against us.. and a possible blow out at the hands of the Germans.
Some experts judge a teams strength if that is the case than besides Pepe we are a roasted chicken up the middle.. sure arguments can be made for Meireles and Moutinho as supporting attacking mids.. but the fact is we are weakest up the middle.. where the Germans are impressive up the middle and it is their strength.
I still feel that the players will step up and be motivated from day one and can overcome all these holes.. some might even shine because of it.
Nonetheless it will be interesting... and we can go out on our shield at worst.
All my great portugoal. brothers and sisters pray every day for good health of our squad.If we have the fully fit squad we can beet anybody.
He is out most experienced and consistent fullback.
Bosingwa is our best right back. Joao P. is good but not great.
We need our best team, especially at the back!
Peace from Bosnia
2. GER 1-1-1 4 Pts
3. NED 1-1-1 4 Pts
4. DEN 0-0-3 0 Pts
Forget about those two players, let's get behind Bento and the team. I believe we have a great chance to advance and if we do we will likely make it to the finals.
fingers crossed
forca Portugal!
Ask yourself that question.. Portugal finished their group in 1st while Germany lost to Croatia and ended in 2nd.
Thought I'd help you get your facts straight though your point is considerable.
I'm happy with the order of the matches: Germany first..perfect..there could hardly be a better opponent to push you into shape right from the start! They will be favourites so we can play with less pressure in this opening match, and it will be a good test right away in the tournament. Denmark next in the same stadium again (and hopefully with our full team this time!), we've got a score to settle with them haven't we?... and then Holland last in what could be a winner takes all knock out match. I agree with NJ, the Dutch will be coming out of playing a huge derby for the final match against us, that could be to our advantage.
Some posters seem to be convinced that Germany will definitely beat us, I'm not so sure. Their defence is not the greatest or quickest, and if you can get at their defence with the pace Ronaldo and Nani have, i believe we could do some damage. Of course their attack is deadly and always efficient, our defence from set-pieces has to be improved before this match...i agree with the posts that Pepe should play defensive midfield for this match, but we'd need Carvalho back for that....and that's unlikely to happen.
Still I think we can qualify, if we go into the last match against Holland needing a win to qualify, i'd be quite confident....even though i accept it would likely be a 50-50 knock-out between 2 very good teams. Much to look forward to in this tournament, and there will be some exciting matches ahead! If we can qualify out of this tough group, I would make us serious contenders to win the title..but it'll take a big effort and the team will have to play at it's maximum, just to qualify from this group....Let's see what happens!!!
All three teams are difficult for different reasons.. all 3 are offensive... so the lack of a true DM might come back to haunt us.
The most feared is still Germany because of their aerial presence.. Bento's use of the Portuguese Green Frango.. will definitely hurt against the blitzkrieg luftwafa German attack.. they will carpet bomb Alves & Patricio into submission...
If Carvalho played and Pepe pushed into DM, with Eduardo in net it might be different, but we all know that won't happen.
Bento unfortunately after the last result will not be fired.. and we can expect him to piss off at least two more players before the tournament starts.. as that is his average, hopefully it is not two of the better ones.
But anyways.. even if we lose to Germany we can still qualify.. with a good team effort.. and there are quite a few players that I think will shine through. I am also hoping some other players come through in the remainder of the season and push the veterans on the NT for spots..
Holland has a great team but no better than ours.. and Denmark who can be quite dangerous at times.. and play solidly in the middle are only getting older.. we should beat them.
I am more worried about the knockoff rounds as they will definitely get a team they should beat.. that is more of a problem.
Still if we lose we had a tough group.. I am just happy we did not get Italy or Greece.. teams that park the bus defensively and lull you into a sense of comfort. Portugal as others so rightfully suggested have more an issue with those teams..
Even Spain I would've rather faced.. they are ripe for an early knockout.. and we usually beat them.. anyways we got the worst group imaginable.. with a train wreck of a coach.. but steel sharpens steel and we can expect the squad to be highly motivated straight from the start.
Forca Portugal...
The most important player for Germany in the final third is Ozil. We need to stop Ozil at all costs if we want to get anything out of this match. Miguel Veloso is a very intelligent deep-lying playmaker, but he doesn't have the quickness, physicality, and tenacity to stop Germany's brilliantly well-drilled attacking play.
It just so happens that we have the best man marker in all of football and he happens to play for the same club as Ozil. Pepe, while he can be reckless, is an absolute beast in the midfield, and if there's anyone who can terrorize the shit out of Ozil it's Pepe.
The only problem with this is that Pepe will be moved from the heart of defense which will put Rolando alongside Alves, and we all know how that turned out. The absence of Carvalho is being felt now isn't it...
While there is a very, very slim chance that this will happen, I hope and pray that Paulo Bento lets Carvalho come back to the squad. With Carvalho we had the best back four in the world, without a doubt. Without him, we simply cannot afford to use Pepe as a midfielder, and that will hurt us against Germany.
If Veloso starts against Germany, and the Germans aren't having an extremely rare off day, I am certain that we will be torn apart like England and Argentina in the last world cup.
That's what I love about the Euros's, much harder first round of games than the world cup. No take it easy option in the first round.
And don't forget the others in the group won't be happy facing Portugal, they will be bricking it aswell!!!
last major tournaments when we have met the dutch they have not been able to handle us, Germany is anothetr story and the Danes well we owe them one.
Forca Portugal!
If you are a punter get on now!!! when play starts teh price will shorten after we win our group!!!!
As for Denmark, they can be very dangerous, but will definitely be handled by Portugal. We played 2 games with them already, and a 3-1 win and then a 2-1 loss with many injuries, and we still dominated possession, doesnt seem like Denmark is the team we should be worrying about.
Now Holland, can be a very tricky team to predict what will happen. In the past, Portugal do very well against them. They have a good midfiled, even though Sneijder is losing form, a great attacking front, even though Robben is always injured. BUT, they have a weak defense. And look at Portugals attacking players, what Im trying to say is expect Portugal to exploit Netherlands defense.
Thats what I see. Now yes, when I was watching the Euro draw live, I did shit my pants when I saw Germany pop up. But now, Im not even worried. I believe in our team, and in Bento. I think now, Bento realizes he needs to chose the BEST POSSIBLE group of 24 he can, before the Euro. This will force him to be less stubborn, and recognize we need to prepare for this Euro group. All of our opposition is hard, but NOBODY, is unbeatable.
Also another point I would like to make, is lets look at Portugals historical record going back to 2000. People are saying that Portugal always have it the hard way. Really? Thats not whats happened at all. In 2000, we had the Group of Death.... And we beat Germany, the champions, 3-0!! Why? Becuase having a difficult group, pumps up the whole team because they know they are playing teams that are better than us. They go all out when they are in this midset, and this is what happened, what happens, and what will continue to happen. In 2002, we had by far one of the EASIEST groups in the World Cup. Did we pass the group stage? NO. The game vs USA, a sub par team back then at beast, beat us 3-2. They were up 3-0 at one point in the first half alone. Why you ask? Because Portugal went in there thinking they were boss, and all of a sudden were losing 3-0, and had to play catch up. In 2004, we had an easy group, lets not kid ourselves. On the opening match against Greece, in our HOME turf, we lost. OPENING GAME! In 2006, we had a balanced group, and we played well in that tournament. BUT, 2008? Are you guys forgetting 2008? We had the easiest group in 2008, and we came in 2nd which forced us to play Germany, where we lost. In our group we had Switzland, Turkey, and Czech Rep. We lost to Switzland after winning both other games. Also in 2010, we had the group of death, and even with QUEIROZ, we managed to pass it.
Guys dont worry, this group of death draw is one of the best things to happen to us, mark my words.The best teams in big tournaments feel the pressure, and sometimes, they slip up ( Look at Brasil, 2010) Luckily, this pressure isnt on Portugal, because they arent going to be seen as favourites from the fans, and outsiders. So lets keep faith, this group is not unbeatable whatsoever, and pray that this forces Bento to make changes, and ammend his stubborness.
FORCA PORTUGAL
The good news about the group is that, should we advance, we will avoid Germany until Final.
Group Matches
06/09 - Arena Lviv, Ukraine - Portugal vs Germany
06/13 Arena Lviv, Ukraine - Portugal vs Denmark
06/17 Metalist, Ukraine - Portugal vs Netherlands
Speculating;
If we finish 2nd in the Group we would most likely have to face Spain in the semis. Yes, I'm giving us a win over the winner of Group A in the Quarters.
If we win the Group we will most likely face the winner of Italy vs England or France in the semis. I like our chances verse any of those squads. Once again, I am giving us a win vs the 2nd place finisher in Group A in the Quarters.
A few side notes.
- I have always despised the Dutch. They are known for total football, pretty football, yet they are a very chippie squad. Actually I would go as far and say that they are one of the dirtiest teams in the world. They are also expert divers. They just have this reputation of being the pretty team, when that isn't necessarly the case on the field.
Let me add that the Germany vs Netherlands rivalry is huge. They absolutely despise each other. The Netherlands could be spent and hopefully down a few men due to that match, before they face Portugal in the last group match.
Spain could be in for a tough tourney. Some of the backline is getting up there in age. They also haven't looked that good in recent matches. Let me add that the Barca vs Real "war" will take a lot out of them.
Lastly has anyone fallen as far and fast as Torres has?
England, Italy or France have a ton of issues. Yes, we do to, but both England and Italy are way overrated with still a lot of aging players. Adding to that, the ones that aren't old are inexperienced in Int'l play.
France is someone that could get it together and impress. They could be a sneaky pick. I'll have to check the odds.
If anything, what Germany should have taught the world's FA's is, dont be afraid to bring in your youngsters and give them plenty of exposure in friendlies. Sadly, most FA's and Int'l managers haven't taken note.
There will be LOTS of goals in this group!! Expect some 3-2 thrillers and memorable games. All 4 teams like to play attacking football. It will be nothing like the Group A borefest. Ireland will make sure most of the games in Group C are ugly. And Group D doesn't look that attractive.
Our group has the potential to have the most attractive football any Euro group has ever had!!
Ronaldo, Nani, Ozil, Gotze, Muller, Sneijder, Van Persie and Eriksen all in the same group...should be fun!
Look at how good we can play when we have some momentum. This team is capable of doing something special. Forca Portugal!
This is bang on bro....couldnt have said it better myself...bring it!
Just the thought that we will top Germany or Holland in the group is unimaginable. In any other group, I'd tip Portugal to advance.
We really got screwed this time.. very disappointing.
Denmark looks like the whipping boys in the group and they're still a quality team. We will pass them if we play our best but even with our best.. against The Netherlands and Germany it will still be super difficult matches.. and that is worrying.
Germany is the current best team in the world in my opinion. Given current form and results.. they're always strong with alot of depth and they beat the dutch 3-0 in a friendly. That deserves alot of credit..
Netherlands as well who have a great passing game is going to be very hard to beat.. its like 2 finals in the group stage.
We will need a DM like Pepe for these matches and Carvalho's return is mandatory for this to happen. Bento better stop being a stubborn prick and fix things immediately.
If we some how make it out of this group I think we can expect to make the semi-finals but we'll need a miracle.
It should be a firework filled tournament hopefully without referee controversy but damage has already been done.
I admit i had wanted to avoid Germany though...everyone does in a major tournament, as they are a tournament results-machine!! Having said that, we can beat them if we play to our maximum, and it's probably best to be playing them in the first match before they start getting on a roll. We have a very good record against the Dutch in recent years, both at international level and club level. And I'm actually happy to play Denmark again...they were fortunate to play us last month with 3/4 of our defence out, let's see the difference our full team makes to this fixture now. It'll be very tough but we can do it if we play at our highest level...and the silver lining is the confidence will be sky-high for the rest of the tournament if we make it out of such a tough group.
But lastly I will say this, the seeding system for the pots was simply rediculous and I cannot see the logic in some of the positioning of the pots...this is why we've ended up with such a weak group as group A for example, and such a tough one as our own. How Russia could be seeded above us and France is unbelievable really. It almost seems to me like more uefa politics to ensure that the two (average at best) co-hosts didn't get very tough groups...as they would consider it somewhat of a failure of a tournament if both of them went out in the first round (as both co-hosts did in 2008).
This system of seeding teams all based on recent results has to be changed and it's rediculous really. Any decent team can go on a good run of results in qualifying matches and friendlies...but the fact that this is deemed more important than that team's performance at major recent tournaments is simply ludicrous. Just to give an example: Russia have only made it out of the group stage of a major tournament once (at the last Euros) since they've been known as Russia from 1992 onwards and didn't even qualify for the last major tournament in 2010.. yet they were seeded higher than France and Portugal! I simply don't see any logic in this system at all...what should obviously count most is the recent record at major tournaments...not recent results in qualifying and friendly matches...this has to change!!!
It's not a disaster, and while it will be difficult, when there are only 16 teams qualifying out of Europe, you aren't gonna be playing teams like San Marino and Malta. You are going to be facing the likes of Germany, Spain, Italy, etc.
Anyways, there is no reason Portugal can't progress. Portugal has been looking MUCH better since the Queiroz debacle (or as I refer to it, "The Dark Times")
ANY team in the tournament will be nervous to face off against the Selecção, and that should give us confidence. The Netherlands should be more nervous than Portugal, since their defense is not rock solid, and the last time they played Portugal they lost. Germany and Netherlands (and to a lesser extent Denmark) will be tough, no one denies that, but there is no easy road to victory in a competition like the EuroCup. Better for Portugal to show what it is made of right off the starting line.
FORCA!!!!
Even if Germany do beat us in our first match, we can still make it through. Denmark may have beaten us soundly in Copenhagen but everyone has to remember that we beat them 3-1 in Portugal so it's not like we can't beat them. I'm just glad we didn't get Greece, lol.
We are certainly in the Group of Death again, but I think we still have a chance of coming out runner up. If we do, the good news is that we will play a team from Group A, which is the weakest group in the tournament in my opinion.
This could all change as who knows what players will be dropping out for any of the teams come summer so have good faith and wait and see.
I don't put much stake in the earlier Denmark games b/c Portugal had injuries, but Germany and Netherlands are bad matchups.
I don't put much stake in the earlier Denmark games b/c Portugal had injuries, but Germany and Netherlands are bad matchups.
We will get our revenge against Denmark quite easily I think. As for Holland, they have been playing very well over the last few years. But recently lost to Germany in a friendly 3-0. I think we should feel confident going into that game. Both teams are well matched in terms of depth. Van Persie has been dynamite with Arsenal. But Sneijder has dropped off badly since the World Cup. Robben probably won't even be match fit by then.
That would leave co-favourites Germany. But even a loss against them should still see us through. Until then, I think we should play mostly strong nations like Brazil, Uruguay or France to keep us in good shape.
I'm also counting on Real Madrid winning la Liga and the CL in order to give key players Pepe, Ronaldo and Coentrao a big boost ahead of the tournament.
Forca Portugal!
I would have loved to see us going up against England, Italy, France, or even Spain, but Holland and Germany will give us a lot of problems. I hope Bento is starting to reconsider his decision to banish Carvalho from the seleccao. I know that he was shitting his pants when he heard Germany.
While I am very nervous about this group, I must remind myself that we have an extremely talented team, and we are definitely capable of even topping this group if we are at our best.
I think most of the pressure will definitely be on Ronaldo and Nani. If they are not at their supremely talented best, we could finish last in this group. I will be very pleased if we even draw Germany since they are almost perfect, but Holland can be beaten. They have some excellent strikers and midfielders, but their back line is very weak compared to the other contenders.
hopefully we'll have some friendlies against the likes of England or France.
FORCA PORTUGAL!!!!!
FORCA!
Once again in the "Group od Death".
I know that we play better against better opposition. I'm also confident with our play vs the Dutch.
But, none of the games will be easy. The second round is going to be huge, especially if we are able to get some kind of result vs Germany.
Frankly all the matches are going feel like a must win in this group.
Just once, I would like to have an easier road.
I found it funny the commentators jokingly asking who was the team cheering when Russia was drawn for Group A.
Seriously why couldn't we get group A. ;(
Our opening game against Germany - I'm hoping for a tie, I think we can do it.
Game 2 Denmark - as bad as we play in Denmark, we'll give them payback for that last group phase game...Portugal wins.
Game 3 - Netherlands - we have beaten them before and we will do it again.
We will get to knockout phase - that's my prediction.
Over to Orlando Mac, he'll practically be in rapture talking about how we are dead...I hope to be proven wrong, but I don't think I will...he'll be on shortly to tell us all how we are dead and we should fire Bento right after the tournament...if not before
Why do host countries get and automatic top seed? Why don't they get an automatic bid, but get seeded based on world rank?
It really makes the groups unbalanced when there are 2 host countries, both lower ranked, who get top seeds.
Forca Portugal!