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| Wednesday, 20 June 2012 11:01 |
PortuGOAL podcast 49: Portugal devastate Dutch and march into quartersA look back at Selecção’s performances against Denmark and Holland Portugal qualified from the so-called Euro 2012 Group of Death with aplomb after seeing off the Netherlands with an exhilarating performance on Sunday night. We discuss that thrilling victory, the Denmark win, and look ahead to the quarter-final meeting against the Czech Republic.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has now played 93 games for his country. Of those 93, he played quite possibly his worst match and his best match in the space of just four days this past week. We attempt to explain why.
We then pick out other stand-out performers for the Selecção at Euro 2012 so far, and particularly in the memorable display against Holland. The plaudits gush for Pepe, Bruno Alves, Nani, João Moutinho, Miguel Veloso and João Pereira, among others, as well as the commanding voice behind a successful tournament so far, Paulo Bento.
The podcast ends with a look ahead to the last-eight encounter against the Czech Republic.
To listen to the podcast click on the play button above. To download right-click on the link below and select “save link as” option.
(Duration: 26m 00s)
Related: Portugal 3-2 Denmark match report Related: Portugal 2-1 Netherlands match report Related: Portugal player ratings versus Netherlands |
I heard the Pepe goal call and it was great, Wanted to hear the others.
Vitor, jeezus man, have some faith. Kidding
Nathan, agree totally with your post - especially to those who have been critical of Ronaldo and suggesting Portugal is better off without him - funny, they haven't been around lately, guess they're waiting for something bad to happen.
Just a post to say thank you gents!
Ronaldo's performance was impeccable against the Dutch. As discussed in the podcast, his every touch was majestic, and I quite honestly thought he would score every time he had the ball.
Nani has been good, but I think he's got even more in him. We'll see tomorrow night!
Pepe and B. Alves have been absolutely incredible in ways that no football pundit in the world could've imagined prior to the tournament. They exceeded even my expectations, and I'm pretty biased in my opinion of Portuguese players.
Good, bad, or indifferent, Paulo Bento is the man for the job at this point in time and with this team. All personal issues aside, he's been outstanding with this group of players and we're fortunate to have him.
Lastly, I'd like to proclaim a big F-u to every football critic, sports site, magazine, or tv show in the world who wrote off Portugal before the tournament. If we win tomorrow, we're in the semi's, so ESPN, Goal.com, etc... you can stuff that up anywhere you please if you get my drift.
Forca Portugal!
If the defence can tighten up and deal with crosses and set pieces and the midfield can close down space more efficiently in the last third, then we have a chance. Ronaldo looks fired up, Coentrao, Nani, and Postiga have all looked very confident. I particularly like Pepe's long ball out of defence to Nani out wide, who's touch has been immaculate - this is a play that has set up good attacks in the final third. If all players perform to the highest level of their abilities, we can do this