Record-chasing Portugal look to clinch Euro 2016 spot

Record-chasing Portugal look to clinch Euro 2016 spot

Portugal host Denmark at the magnificent AXA stadium in Braga tomorrow, needing just a draw to guarantee qualification for Euro 2016… and avoid the need for a play-off to reach a major tournament for the first time since Euro 2008.

The Seleção will also be chasing two records. Should they beat the Danes at the Quarry, it will be a sixth straight victory in qualification – a feat never before achieved in World Cup or European Championship qualification. It will also mean Fernando Santos will have won all of his first six competitive matches since taking over as Portugal’s head coach, which will also be a first.

“The desire to win is enormous, and the players believe they can win,” said coach Santos in the pre-match press conference. “Fortunately the results have been positive, as we’ve achieved five victories in five games, but we’re not there yet and tomorrow we want to book our passport (to Euro 2016).”

“It will be a great tussle between two good teams. Portugal and Denmark both want to win. We’ll have a full stadium backing us and this gives us great confidence. We’ll do everything to correspond to the support.”

 

A bit of old, a bit of new

Despite stabilising the team and obtaining good results since taking over from Paulo Bento, Santos has attracted criticism for a perceived slowness in renewing the Seleção, especially given the abundance of highly promising talent coming through the U21s, who were a penalty shoot-out away from winning this summer’s European Championship.

Santos has adopted a mixed approach, drafting in some of the exciting young talent, such as William Carvalho (who misses this game as he is not yet fully fit), Bernardo Silva and Danilo, while also recalling several seasoned campaigners, such as Ricardo Carvalho, Danny and Tiago. Therefore, we can expect a mix of the old and the new tomorrow. 

 

Probable Portugal line-up:

Rui Patrício, Cédric, Ricardo Carvalho, Bruno Alves, Fábio Coentrão, Danilo, João Moutinho, Tiago, Bernardo Silva, Nani, Ronaldo

 

There is also much interest surrounding Nélson Semedo, Benfica’s young right-back who has sensationally burst onto the scene this season. It is unlikely Semedo will start, but he may get some minutes if Portugal are in a comfortable position later in the game, if only to tie down the dual-nationality defender as a Seleção player, given that Cape Verde (where his parents were born) have expressed their interest in swooping for him.

Semedo, commendably, is taking things in his stride: “It’s a dream come true, but I’m not going overboard. Everything’s happening very quickly but I’m keeping my feet on the ground. I’m going to continue working hard to earn the confidence of the coach. I don’t know If I’ll play or not. I’m certain that everybody in the squad wants to play. If I’m picked I’ll give it my all.”

 

Denmark to take risks

While Portugal can go into the game in a somewhat relaxed frame of mind, the same cannot be said of Denmark. This is the final group match for the Scandinavians who are only one point ahead of 3rd-placed Albania, who have two matches remaining. Defeat or even a draw will therefore leave them in serious peril of dropping into a play-off place. Even a win may not be enough to guarantee second spot in Group I. Experienced Denmark coach Morten Olsen is acutely aware of the fact. 

“One point’s enough for Portugal, but they have another game against Serbia and will have another opportunity to guarantee qualification. Not us,” said Olsen. “That’s why we have to take some risks, but we’ll see how the game plays out. Normally in these games the first goal is decisive for the rest of the match.”

“Portugal are highly motivated, especially as they’re playing at home, but I can guarantee that Denmark are as well.”

by Tom Kundert 

Related: New Benfica star Semedo called up into Portugal squad