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Tuesday, 28 February 2012 18:20

Preview: Poland-Portugal

Seleccao christen new Warsaw venue

With the European Championships just around the corner, tomorrow’s friendly with Poland represents one of Paulo Bento’s last opportunities to iron out any remaining selection quandaries ahead of the tournament. But after a bold declaration from his captain this week, victory is surely vital. Ben Shave previews Poland-Portugal. 

The problem of footballers and social media has become a painfully familiar one for coaches across the world in recent years. Paulo Bento was dealt his latest barb on Monday evening, when a photo of Cristiano Ronaldo appeared on the Seleccao captain’s Facebook page. It depicted the number seven in his new away strip, and a caption stating that Portugal’s ‘sole goal’ would be to finally lift European football’s leading honour.

When quizzed about this, Bento elected to put forward a more modest goal: the last eight. Yet unsaying what has already been said is a tricky business, and more pessimistic observers may conclude that the jinx has already been firmly summoned.

Euros on the horizon

Either way, we should know more after tonight’s match, which sees Portugal join Poland in inaugurating the National Stadium in Warsaw, which will play host to the opening match of the Championships, Poland-Greece. Whether the Seleccao will be returning there for a quarter or semi-final tie is yet to be seen, but in terms of momentum, a solid performance is undoubtedly vital.

Portugal are due to face Macedonia on May 26th and an as-yet unconfirmed opponent on June 2nd, but by that point, avoiding injuries will have become the priority. This represents the final chance for the squad to gel in the rhythm of a competitive season.

Unfortunately, Carlos Martins and Silvestre Varela have joined Danny on the injury list this week, with Paulo Machado joining in place of the former and Bento electing not to replace the latter. The starting eleven will therefore come from the following 22 players:

Goalkeepers: Rui Patricio (Sporting), Eduardo (Benfica), Beto (Cluj)

Defenders: Joao Pereira (Sporting), Bruno Alves (Zenit), Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid), Pepe (Real Madrid), Nelson (Betis), Ricardo Costa (Valencia), Rolando (FC Porto)

Midfielders: Paulo Machado (Toulouse), Joao Moutinho (FC Porto), Manuel Fernandes (Besiktas), Miguel Veloso (Genoa), Raul Meireles (Chelsea), Ruben Micael (Zaragoza)

Forwards: Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Hugo Almeida (Besiktas), Postiga (Zaragoza), Nani (Manchester United), Nelson Oliveira (Benfica), Quaresma (Besiktas).

Fernandes or Veloso?

At this point, it is unlikely that Bento will suddenly develop an urge to tinker with what has become a largely settled core personnel. The back five of Rui Patricio, Joao Pereira, Pepe, Bruno Alves and Fabio Coentrao are strong (if a little short on the unflappable elegance previously provided by Ricardo Carvalho), whilst the front three of Ronaldo, Nani and either Helder Postiga or Hugo Almeida picks itself – though a cameo from young Nelson Oliveira is certainly a possibility.

The sole mystery lies in midfield. The perplexing decision to dispense with Hugo Viana after the Braga man was named among Bento’s pre-convocados means that there appears to be once place up for grabs, with Joao Moutinho and Raul Meireles looking like shoe-ins, barring injury.

The player with the most momentum is undoubtedly Manuel Fernandes. The former Benfica midfielder is enjoying arguably the finest season of his career under Carlos Carvalhal at Besiktas, and was instrumental in the Black Eagles’ recent elimination of Braga from the Europa League. Miguel Veloso complemented Moutinho and Meireles to good effect during Portugal’s play-off victory over Bosnia at the backend of 2011, but Fernandes would undoubtedly present a more dynamic, fluid option.

Bento is a naturally cautious coach, and his Sporting connections with Veloso (the two appear to have patched up their differences) may work in the Genoa man’s favour. But the very fact that Fernandes has returned to the set-up suggests that he has caught the eye this season, and it would be odd were he not handed at least one opportunity to prove himself.

Lewandowski the danger man

Regardless of the line-up, Portugal will be expected to defeat Poland, a side shorn of competitive action since failing to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. Franciszek Smuda’s most dangerous weapon is undoubtedly Robert Lewandowski, who netted a brace for Borussia Dortmund at the weekend and has been one of the revelations of the Bundesliga season.

Poland have only lost one of their last five outings (against Italy last November), and a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Germany in September 2011 indicates that they are not to be underestimated. But with the opening group stage match against Germany 101 days away, the Seleccao ought to be motivated – not to mention sharp.

Likely Portugal starting XI: Rui Patricio; Joao Pereira, Pepe, Bruno Alves, Fabio Coentrao; Manuel Fernandes, Raul Meireles, Joao Moutinho; Nani, Helder Postiga, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ben Shave

Comments (17)
fernandes
17 Saturday, 03 March 2012 09:54
unfortunately,portugal has not best gaolplayer almeida,oliviera,postiga??? they never like one drogba,villa or henry,di natale,benzema.so, ı think conaldo should be goalplayer and naniquarejma back to him. midfelder is,meireles fernandes and veloso or sometimes pepe fernandes is very good and attractive player.he best player in besiktaş and istanbul teams.
Agree with Matt/Canada
16 Wednesday, 29 February 2012 16:52
I agree, I think Postiga gets alot of unfair criticism from the National team fanbase. Alot of people his contributions to the Seleccao. He is a good player, and on any other squad he would be highly valued.

However, it's all in perspective, and when you play him between two of world class wingers (Ronaldo & Nani) most strikers out there aren't gonna look as good by comparison.

But that being said, there is no denying that the lack of high volume goalscoring has been what has kept the Seleccao from reaching it's true potential (winning it all) over the past few international tournaments.

Give Nelson Oliveira a chance, at least during the friendlies, to see how he works with the other players. If he works out, than great, and if he doesn't, then nothing is lost, since they are just friendlies. Friendlies are a chance for Paulo Bento to try new things, sort of a guess and check. I have faith in his abilities as a coach, and I think he recognizes the youth talent that Portugal has to choose from.
Bento's comments
15 Wednesday, 29 February 2012 16:38
I think Bento is correct to be minimal in his comments about his aspirations for the tournament, and to state that he is not thinking beyond reaching the quarter-finals at this point. That is very sensible from the coach, and i agree completely. We are in the group of death, and all 3 matches we will play could just as well have been quarter-finals or semi-finals. As a result, it's best to be realistic and cautious...and not put big pressure on himself and the players by being arrogant and unrealistic, and thinking beyond the immediate goal of qualifying from such a tough group.

We all know that if our seleccao clicks and plays to it's maximum, that we can beat any team in the world...look what we did to Spain in that friendly! But we also know how our seleccao has flattered to deceive in tournaments when big things are expected. Given the difficulty of our group, I believe it would be best to go into the tournament on a low-key note without huge expectation, as this could really benefit our chances. And Bento has realised that as head coach of the team, he must be the first to ensure that the expectation doesn't get out of hand. Good on him for doing so!!! Portuguese teams always do better when they are not considered the favourites (eg. Euro 2000). Perhaps the same will happen this summer...
selection
14 Wednesday, 29 February 2012 16:29
As I said you cannot compete fernandes with Veloso because he wont produce what he does best altough of course your right he can be used in the midfield ahead of Meireles but as mentioned in my other post this may be best as a sub along with the other besiktas boys when you need to change the style. Fernandes has one big edge over Meireles or Veloso in that he can beat a man with pace, power and trickery so he could replace either of the other 2 at half time or an hour in to help change the game. Remember Veloso, Moutinho and Fernandes came through the ranks at same time along with Almeida, Nani, Nelson, Quaresma whilst he was held back for boa morte and Varela. I would like to see Nelson and Nelson Oliveira as we know what Postiga and Perreira can do and I would like these players to be tried in a strong line up. Every other position is pretty obvious for now.

Line up I would like to see would be:

Patricio

Nelson Pepe Alves Coentrao

Veloso Meireles Moutinho

Nani Oliveira Ronaldo

Half time subs:

Quaresma for Nani

Fernandes for Meireles

subs around the hour mark:

Perreira for Nelson

Almeida for Oliveira
Don't get the hate on for Postiga.......
13 Wednesday, 29 February 2012 15:48
I honestly think people don't give enough credit to Postiga. He has had his bad games and has made some really stupid shots, but who hasn't? Ronaldo makes wild shots too. I personally like Postiga and what he offers in the striker position, and like the other poster said he's scored some of the crucial goals needed to win a game for qualification for a euro or world cup.
My Lineup
12 Wednesday, 29 February 2012 15:28
Yea Andre, I'm with you on that! Despite Chelsea's struggles, Raul Meireles has been in my opinion the heartbeat of Portugal's team, he has been the most consistent player for us for years, many years. Let us not forget that Meireles is a versatile midfielder as well! In my opinion Meireles must start because of his leadership and organization on the field as well as his class and hard working attitude! This is why I am not even contemplating dropping him Brad Messado and so the only player who I see that can be dropped now is probably Veloso. Veloso's main weakness is that he is slow. Fast attacking midfielders like Ozil, Gotze, etc would be able to get around him if they really tried hard i think. But as I was saying Meireles is versatile and he has played defensive midfield many times and done so very well. And Meireles is at least as fast as Veloso if not faster. Don't we remember before Veloso came in, we had Meireles as DM, and Joao Moutinho and Carlos Martins as the midfield playmakers in front of him. Yes Veloso is good and our main joy of having him come in the team was that we could also now release Meireles forward so that he could unleash his shots and assists and runs into the box etc that he was also great at (seen at Liverpool & with Portugal in the past). But Meireles was equally just as good as our defensive midfielder providing leadership and stability to our midfield for a long time! Now the other reason we were so happy for Veloso to come in was also simply to get the horrible Carlos Martins off the field! Lmao! We all know that! It was great Veloso performed and Carlos Martins was in many minds shut off into the past and forever to be resigned to the reserves from here on lol. I was happy for that. But now we have the phenomenal Manuel Fernandes back in great form! And yes Brad Messado, Fernandes is better when he is released forward as a box to box midfielder. I am fully convinced of this as well! Fernandes playing to his full potential will be a better box to box midfielder than Meireles. But Meireles is still class at what he does best, organization, leadership, composure, reliability, hard work hussling, passing, vision, etc. He is also good (not great) but still good at tackling and marking). He never stops working hard for his team. He's done it before and I think he can do it very well again for us in the DM spot, if we wish to play Manuel Fernandes alongside Joao Moutinho as the midfield playmakers. This could be an even better trio.
-----------------------Rui Patricio----------------

J.Perreira----Pepe-----B.Alves----Coentrao

----------------------R.Meireles----------------

----------J.Moutinho------------M.Fernandes

--------Nani--------N.Oliveira--------Ronaldo

If Manuel plays smartly and with maturity and does his defensive work as well and works hard just as Meireles and Moutinho do, and with Nelson Oliveira up top, this team will be PHENOMENAL!!!! This lineup is a team that can beat any team in the world and dominate football! I know the quality of these players! If they work hard for each other and are united this team will be INCREDIBLE!!! Looking forward to the game today! Força Portugal!!!
Game tonight
11 Wednesday, 29 February 2012 13:20
I agree with most of the views regarding the striker situation. Why not let Oliveira start the match, and if it doesn't work out too well, bring on either Postiga or Almeida at half-time. Bento knows what he will get with those two...but it would be best to use this friendly to find out if Nelson can bring something else to our attack. I personally would start him and give him 60 minutes. Nothing to lose, everything to gain!

As for the midfield, like many others I am also pleased that Fernandes has been recalled. He is certainly one of the best all-round midfielders we have and belongs in the squad no question. However i still feel Meireles is a first-choice starter in the middle. True he hasn't looked great for Chelsea this season....but then again who has? lol...even Torres, once one of the top centre-forwards in the world, has looked hopeless at Chelsea!

The truth is that Meireles has never let down the seleccao, and this is what matters most. In fact I'd go as far as to say he's probably been one of the 3 or 4 most important players in the seleccao over the last few years...scoring some crucial goals for us. But it's good that we have a strong back-up for him in Fernandes. I don't know too much what to expect tonight in terms of a result (in truth I am much more focused on the Classico on friday and the CL next week...and I think this friendly came up at a dumb time!!). But i suppouse a draw would be a decent result, and a win a great confidence booster for the squad. Let's see what happens!!!
..
10 Wednesday, 29 February 2012 12:35
POLAND 3:1 portugal !
selection
9 Wednesday, 29 February 2012 10:47
Not sure why people are talking about who should be in the line up out of Fernandes and Veloso. The fact is that when Fernandes is used in that deep midfield position you limit his abilities, which is partly why he has never looked too good for the national team. If you want his best from as seen for Besiktas then you have to use him in the Meireles position allowing him to run up and down showing his strength, carrying of the ball and passing. I have always liked Meireles but right now Fernandes looks a more complete player however he may be used from the bench in his preferred position and have to force his way in to the starting line up by the Euros. If not then Fernandes, Quaresma and Almeida may all be deployed as subs for when we need to alter the style of play adding more trickery and unpredictability from fernandes and Quaresma plus almeida's power and height threat. This would mean the other options would be Varela, Oliveira, martins or micael. The real battle for veloso's positions should be between himself and Viana for that deep sitting playmaker role as we no longer have a deco or rui costa to pull the strings at the head of the midfield.
caralhooooooooo
8 Wednesday, 29 February 2012 08:41
Erm you see Postigas name and think "God Help us".. what a useless comment. Postiga's scoring rate for Portugal is almost 50%, scoring most crucial goals in the last decade and is just behind Ronaldo in the qualifiers for goals scored. Facts before insignificant opinions!!
Polish Team
7 Wednesday, 29 February 2012 01:08
The Portugese team cannot underestimate the Poles especially in front of the home crowd. The Poles will be there to play since this will be the inaugural match at the new Warsaw stadium.
tough game
6 Wednesday, 29 February 2012 00:55
Looking forward to the game tomorrow. A lot of people are predicting an easy win for us but Poland are a tough team especially at home.
They've had some impressive friendly results this past year. A couple of results stick out....
Poland 2-1 over Argentina in June.
Poland 2-2 against Germany in September....Germany needed 2 late goals to tie it up.

The weather may also play a factor. It snowed today in Warsaw.
I'll say Portugal wins 2-1.
Forca Portugal!
@Jon/usa Agreed!
5 Tuesday, 28 February 2012 23:40
Veloso is good but yea he is a bit slow. If Manuel Fernandes comes to this team with the attitude to seize this opportunity to show Portugal and the world that he means business, he will definitely be a starter. Like we were saying before, he has become alot more disciplined and mature in Besiktas. I remember years ago Mourinho saying that Manuel Fernandes was better than Claude Makelele at his respective age (when Manuel was very young). That just shows you the great talent lying within Manuel Fernandes. If Manuel can play his role and stick to his tasks in the team he will undoubtedly raise Portugal's game even higher in midfield. If he does it, IF he does it, and FINALLY shows that tactical intelligence and maturity (which I honestly hope he does) then one of either Veloso or Meireles will sit! I've honestly always been a huge fan of him following him from Benfica to Portsmouth to Everton to Valencia and now to Besiktas. He's been showing that great improvement on the club stage, now lets see if he can show it on the international stage! After all competition is a healthy thing! We have 4 class midfielders here with Veloso, Fernandes, Meireles, and Moutinho, and competition is always a good and healthy thing to have! Wish them all the best and good luck! Love my team Portugal! Força!
Ronaldo's picture is quite fine!
4 Tuesday, 28 February 2012 22:08
The picture is part of Nike Football Portugal's inspirational campaign that went into developing and promoting the new uniforms for Portugal. Its just the main motto, and all of the Nike athletes of Portugal have pictures with the same inspirational phrase! Ronaldo, Raul Meireles, Nelson Oliveira, Bruno Alves, Miguel Veloso are all part of the promotional campaign. I LOVE it! And I think its very inspirational! When I first saw Ronaldo's pic on facebook, I immediately loved it! It motivated me right away! Filled me with pride! Thats what it is all about and that is all it is! Ronaldo never came out and said "we are going to win the euros" , nobody said that. The fact is we have some elite players on our team and Ronaldo is the best player in the world! His motivation is immense and he always speaks and thinks positively! All throughout his career he has had a winning mentality and attitude and EVERY game he goes out with this same belief "Feel nothing but Victory!" That is something admirable. Its inspirational and thats it! If every player has this mindset and they all give their all 100% for each other and the team, they will get good results. What is important in sport is that at the end of the day you give your ALL and you BELIEVE and you give your BEST! That is what its all about. That is what is most important regardless. This squad has a good spirit! Be inspired and believe! Força Portugal!!!
Midfield trio
3 Tuesday, 28 February 2012 21:44
Miguel Veloso was excellent in the game against Bosnia, but I don't think he is capable of silencing the likes of Mesut Ozil or Wesley Sneijder. While Veloso isn't a poor tackler, he is not the most mobile of holding midfielders, so I am positive that he'll have a very hard time keeping Ozil quiet, which will be an extremely important task in that crucial game.

Manuel Fernandes is a great tackler, he's full of energy and athleticism, and he's better on the ball than Veloso. However, in the past, as many posters have stated, his attacking instincts have gotten the better of him, and he leaves the defense exposed. If Fernandes can learn to sacrifice his overly attacking instincts and play as the defensive midfielder, we'll have a great shot at beating Germany and Holland.
Depth
2 Tuesday, 28 February 2012 21:41
Carlos Martins and Varela pulled out and Bento could only think of one replacement. How insulting. Viana, Andre Santos, and Nuno Gomes have all patiently waited for an opportunity and this is how he treats those players. It looks like 22 out of the 23 call ups will be included in his final selection. Lack of depth? or choosing favorites?

Btw if Manuel Fernandes is Veloso's replacement then forget it. Veloso is our undisputed defensive midfielder right now. Its Meireles who's played nearly all our games and still under performs needs to be replaced with Fernandes who has something more to offer.

I hope to see Nelson O get atleast 30 minutes. If we get off the right foot, I predict a win. 4-1.

Força Portugal
...
1 Tuesday, 28 February 2012 20:01
I get so excited by the starting 11...and then I see Postiga's name. God help us.

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