1 GK Petr Čech - Chelsea 2 DF Theodor Gebre Selassie - Slovan Liberec 3 DF Michal Kadlec - Bayer Leverkusen 4 DF Marek Suchý - Spartak Moscow 5 DF Roman Hubník - Hertha BSC 6 DF Tomáš Sivok - Beşiktaş 7 FW Tomáš Necid - CSKA Moscow 8 DF David Limberský - Viktoria Plzeň 9 MF Jan Rezek - Anorthosis Famagusta 10 MF Tomáš Rosický (c) - Arsenal 11 MF Milan Petržela - Viktoria Plzeň 12 DF František Rajtoral - Viktoria Plzeň 13 MF Jaroslav Plašil - Bordeaux 14 MF Václav Pilař - Viktoria Plzeň 15 FW Milan Baroš - Galatasaray 16 GK Jan Laštůvka - Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk 17 MF Tomáš Hübschman - Shakhtar Donetsk 18 MF Daniel Kolář - Viktoria Plzeň 19 MF Petr Jiráček - VfL Wolfsburg 20 FW Tomáš Pekhart - 1. FC Nuremberg 21 FW David Lafata - FK Jablonec 22 MF Vladimír Darida - Viktoria Plzeň 23 GK Jaroslav Drobný - Hamburger SV
Coach: Michal Bílek Michal Bílek announced his 24-man provisional squad on 14 May 2012.On 28 May 2012, he replaced Daniel Pudil with Vladimír Darida. The following day, he confirmed his 23-man squad.
Rosicky will most likely start in a defensively set up Czech side looking to frustrate Ronaldo and co.
1 GK Eduardo - Benfica 2 DF Bruno Alves - Zenit Saint Petersburg 3 DF Pepe - Real Madrid 4 MF Miguel Veloso - Genoa 5 DF Fábio Coentrão - Real Madrid 6 MF Custódio - Braga 7 FW Cristiano Ronaldo (c) - Real Madrid 8 MF João Moutinho - Porto 9 FW Hugo Almeida - Beşiktaş 10 FW Ricardo Quaresma - Beşiktaş 11 FW Nélson Oliveira - Benfica 12 GK Rui Patrício - Sporting CP 13 DF Ricardo Costa - Valencia 14 DF Rolando - Porto 15 MF Rúben Micael - Atlético Madrid 16 MF Raul Meireles - Chelsea 17 FW Nani - Manchester United 18 FW Silvestre Varela - Porto 19 DF Miguel Lopes - Braga 20 MF Hugo Viana - Braga 21 DF João Pereira - Sporting CP 22 GK Beto - CFR Cluj 23 FW Hélder Postiga - Real Zaragoza
Coach: Paulo Bento Paulo Bento named his final 23-man squad on 14 May 2012. On 23 May, Hugo Viana replaced Carlos Martins after Martins suffered a calf injury.
Full fit squad to choose from for Paulo Bento, likely the same team that started vs Netherlands, with Postiga keeping his place.
Every team in this Euro, even the ones who went out after group stages are capable of producing upsets, no game is as clear cut as some people think. I still voted Portugal to win, but we could have a real nail biter on our hands.
Team manager Vladimir Smicer told Czech Television: "Tomas will certainly not play from the first minute. But if we should be in trouble towards the end of the match we might use him."
On June 21 2012 22:14 nam nam wrote: Portugal may be the favorite but I'm quite sure it will be a close game. My spider sense are telling me it will go to penalties.
Without Rosicky, I anticipate Czech Republic to be spending most of the game defending. However, I don't think they're defense is particularly good. That 2nd half against Greece was really like walking on ice.
On June 21 2012 22:14 nam nam wrote: Portugal may be the favorite but I'm quite sure it will be a close game. My spider sense are telling me it will go to penalties.
Without Rosicky, I anticipate Czech Republic to be spending most of the game defending. However, I don't think they're defense is particularly good. That 2nd half against Greece was really like walking on ice.
Yeah but unless Portugal starts the game with a different attitude than usual our regular attack when in command of the game is slow and almost harmless unless one of our wingers is in a good day. We are good in transitions and fast play due to the nature of our forwards but not so offensive as needed in a game where the other team gives us full control of the ball and presents a strong physical defense (this is in part due to the characteristics of our midfielders). And I believe that that is going to be the Czechs strat and smartly so.
This is going to be a really tight game, more than most people are thinking imho. Still I believe in Portugal for a 2-1 win in 90mins.
This it the perfect chance for Ronaldo to overshadow Messi this year. If Ronaldo comes up with the goods like in the previous game, I don't see CZE having a chance really. Although I predict super saves from Cech nonetheless.
On June 22 2012 00:01 Grumbels wrote: Can Ronaldo still win the "best player of the season" award?
Not a chance. I'll quote myself from a post in the general 2011-12 football thread.
I don't think there is any other way of going about this.
He broke the Muellers 40 year old record. He became the all time leading scorer for Barca club in his 24th year, he now has 252 goals. He made a new CL scoring record with 14 goals. He is also the leading scorer for the past 4 CL's. He made a new record for the spanish league with 50 goals. He is the first player ever to be first in Europe in both goals and assists. He made a new record of 5 goals in a single CL match. He is the only player to have scored and assisted in all competitions(cdr,la liga,cl,spanish super cup, world championship, european super cup).
These are just stuff from the top of my head, I'm sure I forgot half a dozen records. There's not even the slightest chance that someone else will claim this award. He's that good. For example the ex-madridista Ivan Helguera said in an interview that he thinks Messi is the best ever. When an ex-RM speaks like that you know Messi has broken the game.
I don't think there is any other way of going about this.
He broke the Muellers 40 year old record. He became the all time leading scorer for Barca club in his 24th year, he now has 252 goals. He made a new CL scoring record with 14 goals. He is also the leading scorer for the past 4 CL's. He made a new record for the spanish league with 50 goals. He is the first player ever to be first in Europe in both goals and assists. He made a new record of 5 goals in a single CL match. He is the only player to have scored and assisted in all competitions(cdr,la liga,cl,spanish super cup, world championship, european super cup).
These are just stuff from the top of my head, I'm sure I forgot half a dozen records. There's not even the slightest chance that someone else will claim this award. He's that good. For example the ex-madridista Ivan Helguera said in an interview that he thinks Messi is the best ever. When an ex-RM speaks like that you know Messi has broken the game.
Ronaldo scored 60 goals this season. He broke the real madrid record of most goals in a season. He scored 10 goals in the CL He scored 46 goals in the spanish league Real Madrid won La Liga Real Madrid broke the 100 points barrier in the domestic league and scored a fantastic 121 goals in 38 matches.
I'm not trying to defend Cristiano Ronaldo and I don't like him that much and I think that Messi is better, but "not a chance" is not the most applicable sentence in this context.
He has a chance IF Portugal win the Euro, which is not likely.
On June 22 2012 00:01 Grumbels wrote: Can Ronaldo still win the "best player of the season" award?
Not a chance. I'll quote myself from a post in the general 2011-12 football thread.
I don't think there is any other way of going about this.
He broke the Muellers 40 year old record. He became the all time leading scorer for Barca club in his 24th year, he now has 252 goals. He made a new CL scoring record with 14 goals. He is also the leading scorer for the past 4 CL's. He made a new record for the spanish league with 50 goals. He is the first player ever to be first in Europe in both goals and assists. He made a new record of 5 goals in a single CL match. He is the only player to have scored and assisted in all competitions(cdr,la liga,cl,spanish super cup, world championship, european super cup).
These are just stuff from the top of my head, I'm sure I forgot half a dozen records. There's not even the slightest chance that someone else will claim this award. He's that good. For example the ex-madridista Ivan Helguera said in an interview that he thinks Messi is the best ever. When an ex-RM speaks like that you know Messi has broken the game.
Ronaldo scored 60 goals this season. He broke the real madrid record of most goals in a season. He scored 10 goals in the CL He scored 46 goals in the spanish league Real Madrid won La Liga Real Madrid broke the 100 points barrier in the domestic league and scored a fantastic 121 goals in 38 matches.
I'm not trying to defend Cristiano Ronaldo and I don't like him that much and I think that Messi is better, but "not a chance" is not the most applicable sentence in this context.
He has a chance IF Portugal win the Euro, which is not likely.
121 goals in 38 matches? wtf? he got a more than a hattrick in every game?
On June 22 2012 00:01 Grumbels wrote: Can Ronaldo still win the "best player of the season" award?
Not a chance. I'll quote myself from a post in the general 2011-12 football thread.
I don't think there is any other way of going about this.
He broke the Muellers 40 year old record. He became the all time leading scorer for Barca club in his 24th year, he now has 252 goals. He made a new CL scoring record with 14 goals. He is also the leading scorer for the past 4 CL's. He made a new record for the spanish league with 50 goals. He is the first player ever to be first in Europe in both goals and assists. He made a new record of 5 goals in a single CL match. He is the only player to have scored and assisted in all competitions(cdr,la liga,cl,spanish super cup, world championship, european super cup).
These are just stuff from the top of my head, I'm sure I forgot half a dozen records. There's not even the slightest chance that someone else will claim this award. He's that good. For example the ex-madridista Ivan Helguera said in an interview that he thinks Messi is the best ever. When an ex-RM speaks like that you know Messi has broken the game.
Ronaldo scored 60 goals this season. He broke the real madrid record of most goals in a season. He scored 10 goals in the CL He scored 46 goals in the spanish league Real Madrid won La Liga Real Madrid broke the 100 points barrier in the domestic league and scored a fantastic 121 goals in 38 matches.
I'm not trying to defend Cristiano Ronaldo and I don't like him that much and I think that Messi is better, but "not a chance" is not the most applicable sentence in this context.
He has a chance IF Portugal win the Euro, which is not likely.
121 goals in 38 matches? wtf? he got a more than a hattrick in every game?
On June 22 2012 03:56 KobraKay wrote: Well it worked, they seem to be waking up
And yes, the pitch looks freaking terrible.
blame fucking UEFA , they come to Poland with "uefa" grass. Orginal one , that polish officials place on stadium was x100 better :/
Oh it was not my intention to place the blame in Poland, even with good grass sometimes things dont work out that well with many games in the same pitch in a few days only. Plus the weather hasnt been great either so I was not blaming you guys, just stating my opinion.
Czechs also waking up now =/ two close calls in a row.
On June 22 2012 03:56 KobraKay wrote: Well it worked, they seem to be waking up
And yes, the pitch looks freaking terrible.
blame fucking UEFA , they come to Poland with "uefa" grass. Orginal one , that polish officials place on stadium was x100 better :/
Oh it was not my intention to place the blame in Poland, even with good grass sometimes things dont work out that well with many games in the same pitch in a few days only. Plus the weather hasnt been great either so I was not blaming you guys, just stating my opinion.
Czechs also waking up now =/ two close calls in a row.
Yes i know , but im angry mysefl , everyone knows better pitch = faster better game , and some UEFA rules are just stupid. Like this with grass , orginal grass was really good , and it was prepered for polish weather etc... but UFEA make decission to change it.... for official UEFA one.
The rules I hate are those of the yellow cards. They dont clean after the group stage and most teams have half their teams booked already and can miss the semis in case they get there.
On June 22 2012 04:11 KobraKay wrote: The rules I hate are those of the yellow cards. They dont clean after the group stage and most teams have half their teams booked already and can miss the semis in case they get there.
Well you don't want people to miss the final because of 2 yellows (like Ballack 2002). So cleaning them before the semifinals is still the best option imho.
On the game: The Czechs are looking really good. But Ronaldo will have his scene(s).
On June 22 2012 04:11 KobraKay wrote: The rules I hate are those of the yellow cards. They dont clean after the group stage and most teams have half their teams booked already and can miss the semis in case they get there.
That's what you get for not being able to get out of your group without breaking everyone's legs.
On June 22 2012 04:11 KobraKay wrote: The rules I hate are those of the yellow cards. They dont clean after the group stage and most teams have half their teams booked already and can miss the semis in case they get there.
Well you don't want people to miss the final because of 2 yellows (like Ballack 2002). So cleaning them before the semifinals is still the best option imho.
On the game: The Czechs are looking really good. But Ronaldo will have his scene(s).
Yes like in the CL where both teams missed some players. I understand its purpose, I just dont like it. But in that perspective yes, better miss the semis than the finals.
Gebre Selasie and Veloso so sloppy today.. And theyve been really good all tournament
Portugal lacking quality in midfield. Czechs have stuffed it and theyre resorting to lobbing it to the wings and hoping something clicks. Veloso, Pereira, Moutinho all rather sluggish.
Could be a long night for Ronaldo if this keeps up.
scrappy game tbh, the czechs look organised and are crowding ronaldo out, Portugal already look out of ideas and are hoffing it long hoping the big man does something spectacular
On June 22 2012 04:25 Pandemona wrote: Blessing in disguise maybe? XD I like this kid
What kid?! lol Hugo Almeida?
I seriously dont see what the hype about Nelson Oliveira is about...but I thought the compliments his play gets were just bias from silly portuguese commentators and fans.
Well for our sake it would be good if Im wrong but still...
On June 22 2012 04:52 Pika Chu wrote: Ronaldo's having a great night!
it'll be a great night if it goes in the back of the net. He looks pretty miserable right now despite being the best player on the pitch by a country mile.
And hes earned it tbh. The Czechs look really burnt out which is a bit strange, maybe there conserving and laying back..
argh annoying how portugal hasnt scored yet with so many chances. its a bad sign since when the harder teams come (assuming they go on) there wont be half the chances to score so with every chance they'll have to do better than almost score
Lol Mereiles gets caught on the ball, no call. Woops might as well go down clutching my leg to save embarrasment.. They can talk about it later, for right now must not look bad !
On June 22 2012 05:22 Ayush_SCtoss wrote: That defender totally let Ronaldo run free off of him. But nothing against the goal, that was a good header.
Its the quality of the ball and the fact that Moutinho got in behind, it draws defenders for a bit away from their man, beating Ronaldo when hes got the space on you and the run on to it with a ball fired at him is next to impossible. Hes too good in the air. Theres very little you can do about that.
Horribly one sided game.. can't stop wondering how portugal vs russia would have been. No offence to czechs, did great job but russians played way more spectacular, and that to me as a neutral fan is what i want .
Meireles is known for hi slong shots as is Ronaldo for his long free kicks, most of the times they fuck up, but it always seems like the best option to take at the time :o
On June 22 2012 05:38 Happystreet wrote: Does Meireles ever score on his long shots? I see him take them all the time but he always seems to fuck it up.
Yea when he mishits they go in.. hes upset Ramos outdid him with the penalty in the CL semi.. its very clear to me in this tournament he wants his title back.
On June 22 2012 05:38 Happystreet wrote: Does Meireles ever score on his long shots? I see him take them all the time but he always seems to fuck it up.
Seriously though the Czechs had no midfield we know that. Ronaldo isnt going to win games by himself if Veloso and Mereiles dont shape up. Moutinho has way more quality to him and he didnt do to much outside the cross (thank god) either. They cant pop it to the wings and hope Nanis or Coentrao (who wont get to play for all practical purposes like a winger next game like that either) combining with Ronaldo win games by themselves. They might still do it but its dangerous.
Every chance outside his goal was Ronaldo making stuff out of nothing. Thats just not fair.
After the first 10 minutes I had hopes that the Czechs would put up a bit of a fight, the rest of the match sadly showed why I would much rather have played them instead of Greece.
damn, I knew Czechs wouldn't be able to mount any consistent chances, but that was pretty bad.... And Baros was invisible basically the entire tournament.
What a boring match. Everything went as a predicted. To be honest i thought we will get owned much more. We got outclassed but the result is quite ok even though we had like two attempts or so. Baroš, Bílek and Plašil OUT!
On June 22 2012 05:24 Telcontar wrote: Would love to see Portugal go up against Spain.
Wouldn´t be pretty,if Portugal don´t step up their game. Especially their efficiency was abysmal in this game. While Cech had a strong game, it had also to do with simple inability. Spain doesn´t give you a lot chances. You better use them.
On June 22 2012 05:24 Telcontar wrote: Would love to see Portugal go up against Spain.
Wouldn´t be pretty,if Portugal don´t step up their game. Especially their efficiency was abysmal in this game. While Cech had a strong game, it had also to do with simple inability. Spain doesn´t give you a lot chances. You better use them.
Yeah it's definitely a big gap between what spain and portugal are playing, spain is just wonderful.
On June 22 2012 05:24 Telcontar wrote: Would love to see Portugal go up against Spain.
Wouldn´t be pretty,if Portugal don´t step up their game. Especially their efficiency was abysmal in this game. While Cech had a strong game, it had also to do with simple inability. Spain doesn´t give you a lot chances. You better use them.
On June 22 2012 05:24 Telcontar wrote: Would love to see Portugal go up against Spain.
Wouldn´t be pretty,if Portugal don´t step up their game. Especially their efficiency was abysmal in this game. While Cech had a strong game, it had also to do with simple inability. Spain doesn´t give you a lot chances. You better use them.
Yeah it's definitely a big gap between what spain and portugal are playing, spain is just wonderful.
meh, Spain don't create much. Probably be 1-0 for Spain, but it could go either way.
On June 22 2012 05:24 Telcontar wrote: Would love to see Portugal go up against Spain.
Wouldn´t be pretty,if Portugal don´t step up their game. Especially their efficiency was abysmal in this game. While Cech had a strong game, it had also to do with simple inability. Spain doesn´t give you a lot chances. You better use them.
Yeah it's definitely a big gap between what spain and portugal are playing, spain is just wonderful.
Actually i think Spain has been quite disapointing so far, expected more from them
On June 22 2012 05:24 Telcontar wrote: Would love to see Portugal go up against Spain.
Wouldn´t be pretty,if Portugal don´t step up their game. Especially their efficiency was abysmal in this game. While Cech had a strong game, it had also to do with simple inability. Spain doesn´t give you a lot chances. You better use them.
I'm biased obviously.
But i don't think the gap is as big as it was 2 years ago, if we start playing like we did in the second half of this game, and if we don't get extremely unlucky and actually take advantage of our opportunities, we can definetly beat spain;they aren'tas good as they once were, and we are definetly better than we were in the WC.
On June 22 2012 05:24 Telcontar wrote: Would love to see Portugal go up against Spain.
Wouldn´t be pretty,if Portugal don´t step up their game. Especially their efficiency was abysmal in this game. While Cech had a strong game, it had also to do with simple inability. Spain doesn´t give you a lot chances. You better use them.
I'm biased obviously.
But i don't think the gap is as big as it was 2 years ago, if we start playing like we did in the second half of this game, and if we don't get extremely unlucky and actually take advantage of our opportunities, we can definetly beat spain;they aren'tas good as they once were, and we are definetly better than we were in the WC.
The bold is exactly what I meant by stepping up the game. You completely dominated the Czech in the second half, but needed over 30 minutes and several huge chances to score. While bad luck and a strong Cech played a role, it can´t explain the inefficiency alone.
Spain has not only a Keeper on Cech´s level, but also a defense around the level of the German, which nearly shut down your offense completely. Against such a team, you need to use your chances or it will backfire.
The potential skill and team play is definitely there. If you can use it all, you have absolutely a chance against them. I would actually root for you in this scenario, because I fear that Germany has still a mental problem against Spain
On June 22 2012 05:24 Telcontar wrote: Would love to see Portugal go up against Spain.
Wouldn´t be pretty,if Portugal don´t step up their game. Especially their efficiency was abysmal in this game. While Cech had a strong game, it had also to do with simple inability. Spain doesn´t give you a lot chances. You better use them.
I'm biased obviously.
But i don't think the gap is as big as it was 2 years ago, if we start playing like we did in the second half of this game, and if we don't get extremely unlucky and actually take advantage of our opportunities, we can definetly beat spain;they aren'tas good as they once were, and we are definetly better than we were in the WC.
The bold is exactly what I meant by stepping up the game. You completely dominated the Czech in the second half, but needed over 30 minutes and several huge chances to score. While bad luck and a strong Cech played a role, it can´t explain the inefficiency alone.
Spain has not only a Keeper on Cech´s level, but also a defense around the level of the German, which nearly shut down your offense completely. Against such a team, you need to use your chances or it will backfire.
The potential skill and team play is definitely there. If you can use it all, you have absolutely a chance against them. I would actually root for you in this scenario, because I fear that Germany has still a mental problem against Spain
There is no stepping up, Portugal's 3 forwards combined dont make 1 decent player...
On June 22 2012 05:24 Telcontar wrote: Would love to see Portugal go up against Spain.
Wouldn´t be pretty,if Portugal don´t step up their game. Especially their efficiency was abysmal in this game. While Cech had a strong game, it had also to do with simple inability. Spain doesn´t give you a lot chances. You better use them.
I'm biased obviously.
But i don't think the gap is as big as it was 2 years ago, if we start playing like we did in the second half of this game, and if we don't get extremely unlucky and actually take advantage of our opportunities, we can definetly beat spain;they aren'tas good as they once were, and we are definetly better than we were in the WC.
The bold is exactly what I meant by stepping up the game. You completely dominated the Czech in the second half, but needed over 30 minutes and several huge chances to score. While bad luck and a strong Cech played a role, it can´t explain the inefficiency alone.
Spain has not only a Keeper on Cech´s level, but also a defense around the level of the German, which nearly shut down your offense completely. Against such a team, you need to use your chances or it will backfire.
The potential skill and team play is definitely there. If you can use it all, you have absolutely a chance against them. I would actually root for you in this scenario, because I fear that Germany has still a mental problem against Spain
There is no stepping up, Portugal's 3 forwards combined dont make 1 decent player...
Makes me wonder, how the hell Ronaldo could score over 60 times this season then >.>
On June 22 2012 05:24 Telcontar wrote: Would love to see Portugal go up against Spain.
Wouldn´t be pretty,if Portugal don´t step up their game. Especially their efficiency was abysmal in this game. While Cech had a strong game, it had also to do with simple inability. Spain doesn´t give you a lot chances. You better use them.
I'm biased obviously.
But i don't think the gap is as big as it was 2 years ago, if we start playing like we did in the second half of this game, and if we don't get extremely unlucky and actually take advantage of our opportunities, we can definetly beat spain;they aren'tas good as they once were, and we are definetly better than we were in the WC.
The bold is exactly what I meant by stepping up the game. You completely dominated the Czech in the second half, but needed over 30 minutes and several huge chances to score. While bad luck and a strong Cech played a role, it can´t explain the inefficiency alone.
Spain has not only a Keeper on Cech´s level, but also a defense around the level of the German, which nearly shut down your offense completely. Against such a team, you need to use your chances or it will backfire.
The potential skill and team play is definitely there. If you can use it all, you have absolutely a chance against them. I would actually root for you in this scenario, because I fear that Germany has still a mental problem against Spain
There is no stepping up, Portugal's 3 forwards combined dont make 1 decent player...
Makes me wonder, how the hell Ronaldo could score over 60 times this season then >.>
Errmm, no no no, i was talking about the center forwards So its either ronaldo, nani or some kind of free kick/corner or something
On June 22 2012 06:30 [X]Ken_D wrote: So many close goals by Ronaldo. If Portugal had loss 0-0, might have seen photoshops of the goal post being Ronaldo's nemesis
What's a good site for Euro 2012 highlights?
I know the BBC does highlights for every match but I'm not sure its available in US
On June 22 2012 06:30 [X]Ken_D wrote: So many close goals by Ronaldo. If Portugal had loss 0-0, might have seen photoshops of the goal post being Ronaldo's nemesis
On June 22 2012 05:24 Telcontar wrote: Would love to see Portugal go up against Spain.
Wouldn´t be pretty,if Portugal don´t step up their game. Especially their efficiency was abysmal in this game. While Cech had a strong game, it had also to do with simple inability. Spain doesn´t give you a lot chances. You better use them.
I'm biased obviously.
But i don't think the gap is as big as it was 2 years ago, if we start playing like we did in the second half of this game, and if we don't get extremely unlucky and actually take advantage of our opportunities, we can definetly beat spain;they aren'tas good as they once were, and we are definetly better than we were in the WC.
The bold is exactly what I meant by stepping up the game. You completely dominated the Czech in the second half, but needed over 30 minutes and several huge chances to score. While bad luck and a strong Cech played a role, it can´t explain the inefficiency alone.
Spain has not only a Keeper on Cech´s level, but also a defense around the level of the German, which nearly shut down your offense completely. Against such a team, you need to use your chances or it will backfire.
The potential skill and team play is definitely there. If you can use it all, you have absolutely a chance against them. I would actually root for you in this scenario, because I fear that Germany has still a mental problem against Spain
There is no stepping up, Portugal's 3 forwards combined dont make 1 decent player...
Makes me wonder, how the hell Ronaldo could score over 60 times this season then >.>
Ozil, Benz, Di Maria, etc FEEDS him an assload of balls. Especially Ozil. For those who is writing off Portugal vs Spain (if they do meet) should not because Portugal can AND have done damage to Spain. If they are pressing good and Ronaldo is having a good game, they can win. Also, as stated above, they have beaten Spain 4-0 last year. Spain is good, but they are not looking spectacular. If they do go into the finals and to most likely to meet Germany, I would favor the Germans. I love the EUROS!!! =)
The possession of portugal was amazing. Even though in the end they only showed something like 58% to 42% in favour of Portugal it seemed more like 80-20 in the second half. It was like a never ending power play.
Also it was interesting to hear commentary on how that can snowball, I didn't realize it but its true that playing defensively can tire out a team faster than playing offensively (because they're always chasing the ball rather than passing it)...so gradually the defending team gets so tired that it has very little steam left to attack with.
Maybe it explains why I saw one of the Czechs randomly kick the ball into Portugal's half even though they had possession and weren't being rushed. It was just weird...he was probably tired and not thinking straight
On June 22 2012 06:30 [X]Ken_D wrote: So many close goals by Ronaldo. If Portugal had loss 0-0, might have seen photoshops of the goal post being Ronaldo's nemesis
What's a good site for Euro 2012 highlights?
If you have access to ESPN 3 (free depending on your isp) you can re-watch any game of the EURO, it also has little markers on the timeline for specific highlights.
On June 22 2012 05:24 Telcontar wrote: Would love to see Portugal go up against Spain.
Wouldn´t be pretty,if Portugal don´t step up their game. Especially their efficiency was abysmal in this game. While Cech had a strong game, it had also to do with simple inability. Spain doesn´t give you a lot chances. You better use them.
I'm biased obviously.
But i don't think the gap is as big as it was 2 years ago, if we start playing like we did in the second half of this game, and if we don't get extremely unlucky and actually take advantage of our opportunities, we can definetly beat spain;they aren'tas good as they once were, and we are definetly better than we were in the WC.
The bold is exactly what I meant by stepping up the game. You completely dominated the Czech in the second half, but needed over 30 minutes and several huge chances to score. While bad luck and a strong Cech played a role, it can´t explain the inefficiency alone.
Spain has not only a Keeper on Cech´s level, but also a defense around the level of the German, which nearly shut down your offense completely. Against such a team, you need to use your chances or it will backfire.
The potential skill and team play is definitely there. If you can use it all, you have absolutely a chance against them. I would actually root for you in this scenario, because I fear that Germany has still a mental problem against Spain
There is no stepping up, Portugal's 3 forwards combined dont make 1 decent player...
Makes me wonder, how the hell Ronaldo could score over 60 times this season then >.>
Errmm, no no no, i was talking about the center forwards So its either ronaldo, nani or some kind of free kick/corner or something
Well, at least Almeida created space for other Portuguese players by drawing defenders to him, something Postiga did not manage so well. Portugal were better with Almeida, although he didn't play particularly well himself.
And I don't think the gap between Spain and Portugal is too large. Portugal's play style is not based on dominating possession, which is a huge plus against Spain.
It's the same thing when Varela or Oliveira come inside the squad, for some reason the team seems to play better than with Postiga. Not sure what Postiga does, but he seems to drag people down to his own level. XD
(still better than van Persie or Huntelaar though )
the best portuguese striker(Eusebio), the best portuguese winger (Figo) and a goal scored by the best portuguese forward (Ronaldo)!
for a small country we always had so many good players!
i don't know if we will beat spain/france, probably not, but in my opinion we have chances against both!
I would prefer to go up against span even tho they are stronger because i feel it's a better matchup for us, france always wins against us even if they have a weaker team with less esperience this time!
anyways hope we can win again in the next round!
Ronaldo is again a national hero, after the first two games he was so critized by us.. GO portugal and go ronaldo!
On June 22 2012 06:30 [X]Ken_D wrote: So many close goals by Ronaldo. If Portugal had loss 0-0, might have seen photoshops of the goal post being Ronaldo's nemesis
What's a good site for Euro 2012 highlights?
TVGolo has highlights of virtually every game that happens in the world, just click on "Enter" on top and browse through the games.
EPT
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Ronaldo 78 min
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