Portugal vs. Holland Preview

Unbelievably, Holland still have a chance of qualifying for the Euro 2012 quarter-finals despite losing their first two matches of the tournament – however they will have to beat bitter adversaries Portugal by two clear goals in Kharkiv on Sunday June 17 to stand any chance of progressing to the last eight.

Bert Van Marwijk’s side are likely to go for all-out attack in pursuit of a wide margin victory but will also need group leaders Germany to beat Denmark in Lviv.

Indeed, Group B has become extremely complicated going into match day three and even the Germans, with two wins from two, are not home and hosed quite just yet.

The Euro 1996 winners should ease through nevertheless barring a two goal defeat to underdogs Denmark and their healthy position was earned largely thanks to success over the Dutch who are now on a major recovery mission.

Holland were woeful throughout their opening group match against Denmark and a reaction against Germany was an absolute must after being beaten 1-0 by the Scandinavians.

But the Orange Army were laboured throughout a one sided first half which saw Germany race into a two goal lead courtesy of a fine double strike from Bayern Munich hitman Mario Gomez.

Holland managed to pull a goal back via Robin Van Persie but it was not enough to salvage a draw and now the Dutch are on the brink of a miserable early exit from Poland/Ukraine.

They were fancied pre-tournament to qualify for the knockout stages alongside the Germans however it is Portugal who are now favourites for second spot after clinching a fine late win over Denmark in Lviv.

Although the Iberians are tied on three points with Denmark going into into match day three, their superior head to head to head record with the Danes means that a draw will put them through should Morten Olsen’s charges fail to shock Germany.

And even a narrow defeat to the Dutch could be enough for the Euro 2004 runners-up if Denmark come away from their match in Lviv empty handed.

The complicated nature of Group B should only serve to further intensify the heated rivalry between Portugal and Holland which has been established on the back of confrontations at recent tournaments.

A flurry of rash tackles and red cards during matches at Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006 means there is some seriously bad blood between the two nations who will once again lock horns for one of the championship’s most highly anticipated affairs in Kharkiv.

Holland’s bad start has not deterred the bookmakers two much, who make them marginal 13/8 favourites to succeed in comparison to a best price of 15/8 available about Portugal, whilst the draw is a general 5/2 shot.

This match really could be anything in terms of outcome but one thing which looks fairly certain to occur is a torrent of goals considering that the Dutch need to win by two and will be chasing right from the first whistle.

Anything over 3.5 makes serious appeal whilst the recent history between the two nations makes betting on a red card very feasible at anything above even money.

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16/06/2012     © Frixo 2024