Today in the 10th or 16 blogs, I will look at a favorite to win it all in Portugal.
On June 7, Portugal will start the tourney against Turkey. In this match against Turkey, we're going to see just how good the Portuguese really are. They are a good side, but can they handle this big pressure or will they fold under like at EURO 2004? With a strong showing against Turkey, the Portuguese will prove their dominance and will show that it will take a lot to beat them. But with a loss, Portugal are reduced to a little better than Spanish side. By that, I mean they seem to choke at the most opportune moment or they just don't make a tourney, which hasn't happened in a while. So, without any more stupidity from my own behalf, let's look at some key players and such.
Strength- Well, this is one of the easiest decisions I could ever make. The midfield is stacked with guys like Simao, Quaresma, Maniche, Deco, Meireles, Nani, Petit, and some guy named Cristiano Ronaldo. With that kind of a midfield, you take all kinds of pressure off of other people. With these guys attacking, sometimes you don't even realize they have one guy (usually Helder Postiga or Nuno Gomes) up top helping in the attack. If these guys play like they did at the last World Cup (specifically Maniche), they are even more of a threat than everyone thinks they are.
Weakness- This side's one big weakness has been and will be it's attitude for a while. With guys like Ronaldo, Deco, and Carvalho dancing around the pitch, many players take great offence and don't like it. Portugal are also known for a few shady tactics at time (hmmm... Ronaldo). With people (Ronaldo) flopping around and trying to start things (with Wayne Rooney), Portugal have a target on their backs. These tactics may be found as amusing to some, but this can hurt a team when the you are in a tourney that is small like a EURO. If you help motivate the other team, you aren't doing any favors to yourself and one slip-up in the EURO could cost you, even if you do win the next two. So, in short, Portugal should watch what they do and say and they should be fine.
Player to Watch- Well, there's one guy that is obvious. His name is Quim, the backup goalkeeper. Yes, I'm kidding. Cristiano Ronaldo is easily the most influential player in the tourney. If he plays well, he can carry any team against anyone to victory. But if he play poorly, he can also drag his whole side down. But Ronaldo almost never plays bad because he always seems to turn it around late in the match or he comes out of nowhere to end up scoring or making a difference.
Prediction- Portugal will win Group A with a little effort and they will roll into the Quarter-Finals.
Once again, thanks. Tomorrow, I'll look at Romania. Until next time, it's been Keeper and I'm out.
Alison Preston
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Comments (10) Add A Comment
You just blogged about the winner of Euro 2008. It is only because of some guy named Cristiano Ronaldo.
J. HOVA: BROOKLYN
Brooklyn, NY
Total Comments (18072)
You forgot to mention the youngsters Veloso and Moutinho in the midfield. Theyre quite important as they're not wingers like Ronaldo, Nani, Quaresma, and Simao.
Id actually like to see Ronaldo play as a second striker in the centre with Simao and Quaresma on the wings. Deco/Moutinho as Att Mid and Petit/Veloso as Def Mid.
The back 4 is actually quite solid on paper.
If they can score, they will go very far, if not win it all
ctsubasa
Philadelphia , PA
Total Comments (562)
Its easy to make Portugal the favorite to win because of the quality they have.
Portugal's greatest strength are on the wings, they just have so much depth and talent on the wings. But just like in 2006 and 2004, the lack of a consistent target forward will be their downfall. I think many teams in the tournament know that Portugal will attack through the wings and hope to capitalize on the counter-attack since Quaresma, Deco, C.Ronaldo and Nani can't defend at all!
Ctsubasa read my mind about Veloso. Great holding midfielder but will need to play the best football of his life for Portugal to win it. Overall, I think Portugal needs to strengthen the spine (CM, CF) to make them a sure shot to win. It takes more than wingers to win a trophy. And remember, CR7 won't have the space he has in the EPL, teams are going to try and shorten the field against the Portuguese, something in which the Germans and Italians specialize in.
Big Chaco
Los Angeles , CA
Total Comments (1571)
Good blog, Keeper. They are my pick to win it all. Hopefully Ronaldo will have a good tournament.
G.O.A.T. is back?
Scranton, PA
Total Comments (12359)
Sir Alex has played CR7 as a central forward before. They should try it out in friendlies. Nuno Gomes is past his prime and Postiga isnt close to being a reliable goal-machine.
Like i said they need to find their way to score goals without relying too much on the wingers.
ctsubasa
Philadelphia , PA
Total Comments (562)
Ctsubasa, i agree w/ you 101%
Big Chaco
Los Angeles , CA
Total Comments (1571)
This is Ronaldo's chacne to put away the doubters that he should win world player of they year. He will be captaining portugal at 23.
They have so many AM and wingers that Ronaldo should be put up as a second striker behind a pure striker and allow quaresma and someone else on th wing.
CF could work, but i dont think he has the mentality to be a target man and wait for others to give him the ball so he can create for himself and others as easy.
Best off as a second striker, they are my second choice to win it all
jeevs BS
Schenectady , NY
Total Comments (4139)
I dont think CR7 will be captaining Portugal. He is gifted and talented but lacks the mental to lead in the locker room as well as on the field. He might lead in goals but i dont think hes fit (not yet) to captain this team.
Anybody worried the whole Madrid thing might unsettle him for the tournament? How about the hopes of the entire country on his shoulders? Can he handle it?
ctsubasa
Philadelphia , PA
Total Comments (562)
With no Figo, it is up for grabs, and he has already captained portugal
I think they will pick him because it was the federation presidents dying wish
jeevs BS
Schenectady , NY
Total Comments (4139)
Really?? didnt know bout that one...
Id think Deco or Carvalho might be ahead of him in the pecking order
ctsubasa
Philadelphia , PA
Total Comments (562)
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