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Tuesday, 26 June 2012 21:17 |
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That's a fair question, George. I think the problem is finding someone who could fill that role.
There has been talk of Varela coming into the side given his positive impact from the bench so far and forming part of a more fluid frontline with Nani and Ronaldo, but personally I think this could confuse roles and the last thing you want is to knock your two most dangerous players out of their stride.
Nelson Oliveira is obviously another option but while a promising prospect, there can be no getting away from his inexperience not just at international level, but at club level also. If he was not up to starting the group games, then a semi-final against the World champions is surely asking too much.
The only midfielder in Portugal's squad who I can imagine playing a similar role to Fabregas/Silva is Moutinho, but in my opinion he is still best deployed passing from deep rather than occupying a more advanced role.
I have not been impressed by what I have seen of Hugo Almeida but still think that he is the best replacement for Postiga, if not for what he brings to the team then what he will allow others to do. Portugal's great strength going into this game is their settled side and clearly defined roles. If Almeida can slip into Postiga's place as smoothly as possible then hopefully everybody else can simply keep doing what they have been, rather than rejig the whole side.
You never know, he might just get on the end of one of those crosses and provide the winner!
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