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| Thursday, 19 November 2009 00:24 |
Nani comes of agePortugal player ratings versus Bosnia An accomplished performance in Bosnia saw Portugal complete a surprisingly straight-forward World Cup play-off victory, running out 2-0 aggregate winners. As on Saturday in Lisbon, there were several excellent individual displays, none more so than Manchester United winger Nani.
PortuGOAL classifies Carlos Queiroz’s charges player by player. Do you agree? Leave your comments using the form at the bottom of the page
Eduardo: 7.5/10
Certainly would have been expecting a far busier night. The athletic leap to tip away Panjic’s free-kick in the second half was the only serious save he had to make. Showed impeccable handling when coming for crosses. Only doesn’t get a higher score because he had so little to do.
Paulo Ferreira: 7.5/10
Ferreira followed up his positive showing in the 1st leg with an even better performance in Zenica. Solid throughout the ninety minutes, he produced three outstanding last-ditch interceptions to prevent clear-cut chances. The only drawback on an otherwise highly satisfactory display was his distribution, which again was poor.
Duda: 7/10
Many feared the Bosnians would take advantage of the gaping holes Duda has generally left since being thrust into the left-back position by Queiroz. However, he disguised his defensive frailties with some composed use of the ball, running it out of defence effectively on several occasions. Gave good support to the attack in the second half.
Bruno Alves: 8.5/10
If Miroslav Blazevic thought Bosnia could get through Portugal using the aerial route, he clearly was not counting of the gigantic performance of Bruno Alves. The FC Porto centre-back’s display adds weight to the argument that he is one of the best defenders in the air in the world game.
Ricardo Carvalho: 8/10
Another faultless display by Carvalho, whose partnership with Alves is fast becoming the cornerstone on which this Portugal team is built. A magnificent footballer at the top of his game.
Bosnia 0-1 Portugal: as it happened Pepe: 8/10
Another tremendous performance from the Real Madrid powerhouse. Whatever criticism Queiroz may deserve, his decision to turn Pepe into the holding midfielder of the Seleccao has been a masterstroke.
Meireles: 7.5/10
Scored the all-important goal but could have scored a hat-trick after finding himself three times in one-and-one situations against Hasagic. His intelligent running was enough to cut through the Bosnian defence, although he was wasteful with possession at times.
Tiago: 7/10
A typical Tiago performance. Steady and unspectacular, but an effective member of a smoothly functioning midfield. Even found time for a Deco-esque pass to set up Meireles’ chance in the first half.
Nani: 9/10
Picks up the PortuGOAL man-of-the-match award. Nani was a constant source of danger to the Bosnian defence, beating his marker time and time again, winning free-kicks, hogging possession and constantly providing Portugal with an effective outlet to ensure Bosnia could never work up a head of steam. Unselfish and intelligent play set up the Meireles goal on a plate. Baffling decision by Queiroz to take him off the pitch for the first change.
Simao: 7/10
Another hard-working performance from the captain, although he was never as successful as Nani in organising Portugal’s offensive play. Came off second best most of the time in physical confrontations, but battled gamely and made a valuable contribution nonetheless.
Liedson: 7/10
Worked hard again and had a hand in the goal, but does not look at his sharpest in front of goal. Barring injury will lead Portugal’s attack in South Africa.
Substitutes:Edinho: 6.5/10
The Malaga striker is not a star name, but he made a positive impact and looked dangerous, albeit at a time when Bosnia had all but thrown in the towel. Showed good skill and pace in the 84th minute to almost score with a fine individual effort, but missed horribly in stoppage time from close in.
Deco: Ten minutes on the pitch. Showed some neat touches.
Veloso: Came on merely to eat away some seconds.
by Tom Kundert
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-------------------------------Eduardo------------------------------------------
Bosingwa-------Alves----------Carvalho---------Veloso/Goncalves
---------------------------Pepe------------Mendes---------------------------
Ronaldo-----------------------------------------------------------------Simao
------------------------------------------------Deco------------------------------
-----------------------Liedson----------------------------------------------------
I think in one of those games though I remember Scolari moving around the squad maybe after a substitution.. and slid Pepe to DM.. but I could be wrong.. maybe it was CQ following Scolari's CB at DM model.. and instead of Meira who went out of favour slid Pepe in there.
Paulo I second your CQ not being able to get that extra out of the team.. and the other sentiments except for the right formation I still believe Portugal needs to play a 4-4-2..
Also even though I didn't agree with some of your team selections.. your insightful post should be highlighted... it was exceptional.. i love posts like yours.. we are blessed on this site with many deep thinkers.. like Tony L and many more to list here.
Keep up the great work gentlemen it is a pleasure to read.
I think CQ's master stroke was Mendes.. who showed great pride for Portugal when asked to play defensive instead of offensive.. literally came in there and wowed people. I think Moutinho, or Mendes in the middle with CR & Danny/Simao and two strikers would be an excellent balanced attack.
Also undermining CQ is not off the wall especially when he chooses Ferreira over you.. the talent levels aren't even in the same stratosphere..
and although I agree with you if that is the truth.. which I never saw a report.. although I am not denying your story.
Truth is CQ said he was playing CR as a striker he had no choice.. and CR flat out said No. Isn't that undermining the boss?
That is the captain. When he doesn't listen, care, or respect your authority as manager and he gets to choose his role.. how do you think the disgruntled players to react. Also if that is the case.. which I don't doubt.. why would he call him at all..?
Won't he be undermining you from the bench.
Whether he has a reason and shouldn't call him.. or he doesn't and he won't play one of the talented backs.
Either way I think it proves CQ to be dumb. IMO.
As for the suggestion of Quim/Patricio in net.. all I have to say is LOL... I am a PT Benfica fan and I wouldn't have Quim in my Portuguese Reserve Team. As for Patricio.. Sporting is having one of their worst seasons.. enough said.
It is so weird having another Orlando M.. usually it would be an evil twin.. but this dude makes sense sometimes more than me... does that make me the evil twin...? LOL
Probably...
Cool.. I get the black hat at conventions.
Fresh your rants always have a ton of passion.. gotta love them.
As usual gentlemen it is a great pleasure to banter around with you all.
Damn passionate bunch..
we should set up some sort of web cam action for the WC..
I know we as well as others usually have some huge BBQ's with Food & Booze during the tournies.. we should do a multi-screen tv thing to catch us all hyped all over the world.. cheering on the seleccao..
If anyone knows the best way to set this up.. for the group here that would be cool. I have two laptops with webcams.. would be great to see dudes all over the world cheer on Our Team..
Toronto gets awfully nutty for these big Tournies.. traffic stops after every game.. since we have people from all over the globe.. so no matter who wins.. the roads get blocked with celebrations.. I haven't seen anything like that anywhere else.
Of course some people get pissy.. I remember last tourney first game against Turkey.. had a huge bash at my Cuz's house.. then went off to a Portuguese festival in the park.. so we were all decked out.. in our gear celebrating the win.. walking through the park to where the events were being held.. and I overheard this punk ass kid say, "I'm Portuguese and I don't know what these morons are getting all excited about.. and why they parading around celebrating.."
Which I turned to him and his group and said besides not knowing a thing about football.. Turkey is always a good win.. those guys are always the dark horse and always come to play passionately.. (I was right they went deep too..) you clearly are retarded.. Prostar.. because there is a Portuguese festival here so if you didn't expect to see a flag then you got dropped harder on your head then we thought. Now F off before I beat you up and take your girls. He looked pretty cool emasculated.
Of course these are isolated incidents usually it is great fun... but you always get some jealous lot.. unfortunately with the good you get some bad.
These Tournies are great celebrations.. and a lot of fun for us passionate folk.. especially in a city like Toronto that is so diverse.
Only celebrations I hate is Italian's and Argentinians always the biggest douches around.. but besides that I have partied with many people from many nations.. and cheered them on in their celebration.
Raul Meireles only saved us when it came to the goal but other than that he's disappointing to watch. Get rid of him! My biggest concern is there left-back position. Duda isn't a natural left-back player he lacks in defensive skills and his crossing/passing is skeptical to me. Paulo Ferreira should never play left-back either also someone mentioned the 6-2 lost from Brazil, well Quim was at the darkside of his national career, I agree he was terrible but Ferreira was also the problem he got burned for letting in 2 goals from the left-back. Quim is much better now than he was from that lost, but I still give the nod to Eduardo.
I agree with the right-back position Bosingwa is the best for this position, and Miguel needs to change his attitude but other than that Miguel is fantastic when he plays in big tournaments, so maybe his call to South Africa will change his motivation who knows.
Simao hasn't played well since the Hungary match, so I say give Coentrao more international play when friendlies come up because it's good to have options. Liedson is a bit inconsistent but I like him better than Almeida still.
Other than that I have no complains haha.
hilario
NELSON CARVALHO alves bosingwa
----------------------PEPE-------------------------
NANI----------FERNANDES---------RONALDO------------
---------------------DECO---------------------------------
-----------------------LIEDSON----------------------
MIGUEL
ROLANDO
SIMAO
QUARESMA
YANNICK
ALMEIDA
eliseu
PATRICIO, EDUARDO, HIlario, QUIM, POSSIBLY RICARDO BAPTISTA,
defence i hace about 10 defenders who i would choose to pick from bosingwa MIGUEL nelson ( i think two out of these 3 should start 1 on left back other on right) carvalho pepe alves rolando veloso / jose goncalves lb improving alot this year MEira is another option for cb and duda
midfield FERNANDES, deco, tiago, meireles, moutinho, youngsters V pele paulo machado should be given a chance for the cm wingers c ronaldo nani simao quaresma are options and others that have a chance are eliseu, coentrao, varela, possibly yannick as a winger as well because he is obiviously up their with nani and ronaldo on speed and pace yannick liedson almeida makukula are all possbile forwards
Eduardo is our best hope and he's got some moves. If we do not make it to the finals, we should definitely think about getting rid of Carlos Queiroz and think about Spanish coach Luis Aragonés Suárez that won the Euro cup in 2008 or even Guus Hiddink.
starting line-up that I can think of right now would be:
------------------------------Quim---------------------------------------------------
--Bosingwa------R.Carvalho------Pepe----------M.Veloso/Duda--------------------------
--P.mendes----------------------Ronaldo---------------------------------Simao Sabrosa
---------------------------------Deco------------------------------------------------
--------------------Liedson----------------Nuno Gomes--------------------------------
Subs:Rui patricio, miguel, tiago, b.alves, edinho/h.almeida, r.mereiles,nani
I would put quim in net mostly because he is portugal's best goalkeeper that starts on a team(decently big team).Rui Patricio is also playing well at the moment so in a few years time he is tha man for the job.I would putpedro mendes as DM because pepe had only played well there in the games against bosnia, but he is unpredictable in that position because he had never played in that position except for the selecao(wonder why).I would put ronaldo and simao in the midfield where their actual positions are.ronaldo even said he feels more comfortable in his position there.he is to nervous playing up front explaining why no goals are coming from him ever since CQ took over and stopping ronaldo on his scoring of 22 in only a few years.Lastly I would call Nuno Gomes.He may not have the speed that he used to but he does have the experience and intelligence to play over that.he is portugal's fourth best goalscorer and if he played every game in this qualifying campaignhe would have scored more than 4 goals no doubt making him portugal's third best goalscorer surpassing figo's 32 goals.
Carvalho, Alves and Pepe definitely stood out in a disciplined and commanding performance, which allowed the team to build on confidence as the game progressed. Yes, Nani was good but not fantastic as he still gave away a lot of the ball (as did all most of our midfield) when he could easily have laid off a simple pass to keep possession. This was fine against a team like Bosnia who obviously play a more direct style of football but we will struggle to win the ball back against the technically gifted teams like Spain or Brazil so it really is important to keep possession. Anyway, like I said... I was impressed by our true grit performance, which was a side to our game that I wasn't sure we had.
Our main problem however still lies in the fact that CQ is a fantastic number 2 (assistant manager) but an average number 1 (manager). The reason for this is that he simply lacks the leadership qualities that get that extra 10-20% out of players, especially against teams who on paper are weaker than Portugal. Let's face it, our players produced a great performance yesterday but it came from their own desire to make it to the World Cup rather than the inspirational manager that we need. However having said that about CQ he is undoubtedly a very good tactician and will more often than not play the right formation, if not always the right players.
Some of you have pointed out that Miguel should have started as RB rather than Ferreira but there is more to it than simple football reasons. Sources tell me that Miguel has on more than one occasion undermined the manager’s authority in front of players, which simply breads descent amongst other players and the coaching staff. Miguel needs to understand that playing for Portugal is an honor not a given right, which is why his comments of "If I'm not in the starting eleven then don't bother calling me up!" is unacceptable!
We have a lot to improve on before June 2010 and no doubt certain players will shine in the lead-up to the tournament but in my mind these are the players that should definitely be in the squad.
GK1 - Hilario (Needs to take a chance and move from Chelsea in January. Given regular 1st team football I think Hilario would be a serious contender so come on CQ.. let's tell him and see his reaction?)
GK2 - Eduardo (Best of an average bunch!)
-
LB1 - Douda (Unfortunately we haven't really got a natural, in form LB so based on last nights performance he should get a ticket on the plane to SA)
LB2 - Paulo Ferreira (Not everyone’s choice as RB but I've seen him fill in as LB at Chelsea a few times and he is definitely capable)
-
RB1 - Bosingwa (Simply the best RB in the world so let's hope he stays fit!)
RB2 - Miguel (Needs to change his attitude and apologise to CQ and players before being considered again!)
-
CB1 - Ricardo Carvalho (Simply fantastic and consistent with it!)
CB2 - Bruno Alves (Portugal's most improved player this year. He seems to have finally found the inner confidence that he is one of the worlds best and is now playing like it!)
-
DM1 - Pepe (I think we all agree that he has made this position his own. Offers great cover to our centre backs and more importantly to our full backs if they venture forward!)
DM2 - Pedro Mendes (Technically gifted player with great vision who will always pop up and be a goal threat from deep. Would be my starter against weaker teams)
-
CM1 - Deco (Still our most gifted midfielder who can control the tempo of the game but needs to get his form back both for country and club)
CM2 - Meireles (Every team needs a box-to-box midfielder and he is probably our best one. But again needs to improve current form and concentrate on his finishing skills, which could have cost us yesterday!)
-
LW1 - Simao (Another player who is struggling for form but on his day is one of the best)
LW2 - Coetnrao (He has all the right attributes and could be our surprise player in 2010)
-
RW1 - Ronaldo (The great man himself! Needs to keep fit and not put so much pressure on himself in WC2010!)
RW2 - Nani (Has done enough to suggest that he is capable of more but needs to get more games for Man Utd... maybe a loan move in January might help?)
-
FW1 - Liedson (I still think we still lack the top quality forward to win a major tournament but I guess Liedson is our best bet due to his natural finishing)
FW2 - Hugo Almeida (He needs to start a few more internationals but at the same time needs to show higher energy levels when playing for us as he can look lazy at times!)
Anyway... this is an opinion and there are many out there but at the end of the day it doesn't matter who plays as long as we win the world cup! COME ON PORTUGAL!
--BOSINGWA----------ALVES----CARVLHO-----------VELOSO-
-----------------------------PEPE-----------MENDES---------------------
--------------------------------------*DECO-----------------------------------
RANALDO-----------------------------------------------------**SIMO-------
---------------------------------LIEDSON-------------------------------------
*Deco or Danny
**if : Quaresma gain his form
------------------------------
Rest Of The Squad
-----------------------------
Muntihno,Edinho,Nani,Rui patricio,Raul Mirales,Miguel/Coentro,Rolando,Almaida,Paulo Ferreira,Tiago/Duda
As always great obervations, I believe in the Euro 2008 Turkey game Pepe and Carvalho played CB with Petit in DM. Moutinho played the Meireles role and Deco was the "10". There could have been a late subsitition in the game that put Meira on the field. Bottom line, we should have used Pepe at DM in Euro 2008. Petit got destroyed in Euro 2008 (thankfully retired from intl after his poor showing) along with Ferreira and our GK Ricardo. I called this the "Axis of Doom", Portugal was very weak in 3 positions and it was exposed.
I'm a big believer in having at least one physical, athletic, type player in DM. France 2006 had a great back 4, 2 dominating type DMs and 4 attacking players. Brazil has become more of a strong back 4, strong DMs -- this has been very effective against Argentina and Messi. We could repeat the France 2006 formula given we have few options up front as long as the back 4 and 2 DMs are solid for WC 2010.
If we're going to win the tournament...we need to sharpen up.
we still a bit off spain, brazil who hammered us, england..we still cant beat greece, havent beaten france.
Portugal need to replace Nani (rubbish), & Simao (crap) both players dont know how to pass ,there are far better players than them.
Thanks to our dear F C Porto players for bringing Portugal here .
Still, we lacked finishers. Badly. Liedson, our only finisher, couldn't get the touches where he could finish. Meireles was far more wasteful with chances than he was successful. Nani was a bright spot, but not as clinical as in other matches. This match, however, was won in the defensive midfield of Alves, Carvalho, and Pepe's play.
After this team struggled in the qualifiers with CR at the helm, where CR didn't even score a single goal, dare we start thinking that they play better without CR than with him?
I would to see Mendes return from injury and contribute as he did in the last few qualifying group games when Portugal needed to win.
Now, we look forward to the draw on Dec. 4.
I won't waste time on who was better or worst, I'll just remember those days I thought Portugal wouldn't make it and enjoy the day.
Ferreira shut me up and played outstanding. The three headed beast (Pepe Carvalho Alves) shut it down! I think Tiago came in and played better than Deco in the first leg. I was disappointed with Simao but it looked as if he was giving his all.
It should be interesting how Queiroz will adjust things when Danny and Bosingwa returns. Who knows, maybe Quaresma will return to Liga Sagres and reclaim a spot? Anyway, as always.............. FORCA PORTUGAL!
I was around when the FPF/PFA ruined many a talented player and most especially our National Team with the BS politics.. in 86 when we beat England.. then the players were so upset by the fed that they turned their shirts inside out and tied a shit Poland and lost to Morrocco.
FPF politics are all around and too many lemmings on the mainland let them get away with it.
This is Queer Eyes 3rd attempt at qualifying for a major tournament.. this is his only success.. if you can call it that.
The only reason he is there is because they have his ear.. that is their main importance.
Queer-Eyes with 2 Golden Gens and the New Sensations who clearly have been at the upper echelon of Euro and World Football he has averaged a little over 50% win record it is unacceptable. The FPF's only requirement is that the PNT manager speak Portuguese.. screw that Xenophobic shiiite.. as the English would say.
We need a boss to take us to the next level.. you might be easily pleased because you don't rate our great team.. but most on here know these players to be some of the best in their respective leagues at their position.. yet Queer-Eyes working through the FPF would have you believe they aren't that good.
I think you believe you are being positive but the truth is you are more negative than these guys who believe and are complaining.. because they know this team is worth so much more.. and know that this team is oh so close to greatness.
All they are missing is a 4-4-2 and a GREAT Manager who will start from the back with the 3 CB's.
Tony I didn't catch your post before I posted the last one.
I believe the first match Pepe started as DM was against Turkey in the Euro with Meira & Carvalho as the CB's when he scored that great goal. I could be wrong though.. it might have been earlier.. but it was with Scolari.. who you know I always thought was a good tournament boss but was a poor qualifying manager.. and didn't have the technical knowledge to really help the PNT with set-plays and defensive play which cost us from raising the big trophies but besides that he was fabulous.
Looked like a masterful defensive performance these boys in the middle and even Eduardo are starting to come into their own as a unit. This is a highly offensive team that they completely shut down over two legs.. even Spain coughed up 2 goals to these boys.
hey did the Bosnian players kill themselves after the game? because all those over exburent Bosnian's that have visited of late were claiming Armagedon. Gotta love the passion especially the bookmakers in eastern Europe that must have taken great money from the uneducated Bosnian fan.
Many great Bosnian's though... I take my hat off to them and offer them a drink.. good luck for the Euro's.
Tom I am usually on point with you.. but if Ferreira is diving in.. then that suggests he is out of position as usual. You rated him well for the last game where he repeatedly got beat.. and Pepe bailed him out on cue.. so no offense but I will have to disagree. Ferreira never plays above a 4.. even you admit he couldn't make a pass. You from London originally?
Also I will point out that it wasn't Carlos' stroke of genius.. I will be the first to admit. even though I wasn't his biggest fan...
when I was calling for a Square Peg in a round hole.. it was Scolari that started to use Meira & Pepe in a defensive role in midfield and demonstrated to the haters how effective it was. Power to the Square Peg.
Queiroz is like a good dumb dog.. he only follows what he is told by those above him.
He started this qualifying campaign going away from starting a CB at DM but by the 3rd match against Sweden and the humiliation of coughing up 3 goals in about 8 mins to Denmark at home.. he then was back with Meira as the stopper in the middle.
It wasn't until the 5th match that he finally put Pepe back into the DM role again against Sweden.
The defence was much improved in any match with any 3 CB's in the game and one at DM.. I would even go as far to say that we would not have lost a match with the 3 CB system because against Denmark lowercase "i" otherwise known as Queer-Eyes had this as our starting lineup
1 Quim
5 Paulo Ferreira
4 Ricardo Carvalho
2 José Bosingwa
3 Pepe
6 Raul Meireles
10 Deco
8 Maniche
11 Simão
7 Nani
9 Hugo Almeida
As you can see Meireles and Maniche defending.. and 3 offensive subs led to an offensive onslaught.. especially with a goalie like Quim who is lousy at handling crosses.
Hey PSauce.. Quim players where?
Prostar lol
What I'm most happy to announce though is I was wrong..
I called it early maybe 3rd or 5th game Portugal would be going to the playoff but I thought Queer-Eyes would've blown it and he did.
Power to the players they overcame his shortcomings.. and even though not a masterful performance they showed they had heart, and battled.. soundly through the holes Queer-Eyes dug. He might have playetwo can-openers on the wing.. but guys like Carvalho, Alves, and Pepe flexed their range and shut every gapping hole down.. much much respect.
Queer-Eyes do what is right.. like Kevin Keegan did for England.. when he was repeatedly over-matched.. he quit and said he didn't have the technical knowledge or mental strength to be the National Team Boss.
Russia just went out.. Hiddink would take us to the top.. do it for your country.. be a man.. get respect for your actions.. not for being #2....
Quit.
There will be no shame for you quitting.. actually every Portuguese fan in the world bar the odd moron.. will applaud you.. it will gain you more respect.. you can leave with your head high.. on a winning streak.
I would dare to say that most fans including myself would reveer you for it. You could be the man that led to the greatest success for our great nation.
It starts with you...
Give it a couple of weeks then man up.. do us proud.. and leave the post.. say that you love our country and that you want more than anything for our National Team to be a success and that is why you are stepping down.
We will create a statue in your honour because with you supporting the new Manager as an assistant we could win the World Cup & Euro or as U21 maybe we can regain our status and success. It will be a great moment in Portuguese history and you can play a huge role as an assistant.
You know you are above your depth.. and that it takes a special manager to get the best out of this team, no shame in admitting it.
I also promise never to call you Queer-Eyes again. This is not tongue-in-cheek.. I am serious.. all your fans would applaud.
Forca Portugal !!!!!!
I still think that CQ has a tendency to make some very questionable substitutions. Nani and Simao should not have come off, especially considering the fact that they were beginning to exert some real pressure and seemed to be settling in to the game after the goal was scored and they adjusted to the terrible condition of the pitch. The first half was anything but a stellar display of skill, as even the Bosnian players appeared to be having a difficult time setting up anything resembling a menacing attack, or even a coherent looking one for that matter. UEFA should really start ensuring that field conditions are acceptable before matches are played as it made for some horrible looking football at the beginning of the match.
On a side note, there should be some kind of repercussions for the projectiles thrown on the pitch. I understand that emotions were running high in a game of such importance, but that is completely unacceptable. It's disrespectful to the opposing team (as if there wasn't already enough disrespect on show upon Portugal's arrival at the airport), it makes the supporters look childish, and more importantly someone can get seriously injured. But anyway, it's not the first and it wont be the last time this happens in the world of football.
More importantly, we are through to South Africa!!! Viva Portugal!
On CQ as a coach, I know he has done some strange things but his stroke of genius came with the trio of Pepe, Alves, and Carvalho. This is the best thing to come out of qualification as far as a line up. I don't think Scolari would have been bold to make this type of move. Anyone ever watch ManU for a seaon and you'll see that SAF makes some strange decisions (look at the CL final against Barca)? So it is not out of character for coaches to try some different things though I think Carlos as a few things he can settle on.
Given Carlos some credit for trying to thinking out of the box.
After the poor display by Petit at Euro 2008, I've been crying for a physical and athletic player in the def mid role. We finally got it with Pepe roaming the midfield with his bruising play. In CB we have Alves with his air skills, and Carvalho with his graceful play. I don't agree in putting Mendes in the def mid so we can be overmatched all over again like in Euro 2008. I agree with putting 3 of your best talents on the field.
On Miereles, he came thru today but he missed chances and made some poor passes. I'm not sure who you put in his place at is more capable? That is a statement on the lack of quality depth than an endorsement of Miereles.
Leidson is the striker at least for WC 2010, I don't see anyone else stepping up to take his place or who can provide his pace, holding the ball up, and scoring skills.
Overall, this may not be the best Portugal team we have seen in years but we have strong defense and if Nani or Danny can come thru with CR in form, Deco providng some brillance, and Leidson up front, we may make a good showing at WC 2010.
Raul Meireles proved today why he sucks as a player. I'm surprised he scored that goal. He easily could have scored 1st half after the give and go with tiago. He also shot too early on the breakthrough 2nd half. If Simao or Liedson were on the end of those chances it would have been 3-0.
Late game - Edinho fails to put a well placed cross into the open net. Sorry if I'm being a little harsh but this team is nowhere close to what it was 3 years ago.
The pitch was trash though. What a crappy stadium. Not much space for the players to spread.
Everyone else played fairly well but we wont go far in the world cup without quaresma, danny, or maniche.
LB is still a difficult position for CQ to fill. Duda didn't do too badly today but there has to be someone better, I just hope that they make themself seen in time for next summer.
Tiago, to me at least, has proven he can be an adequate sub for Deco. He can create and he can defend.
I am still finding it hard to believe that Meireles is starting. He flubbed two clear chances, and he almost allowed the Bosnian defender to close him down before scoring. I really believe that Tiago, Moutinho, Veloso, Fernandes can all compete with him and start over him.
FORCA