Portugal vs. Spain Preview

Iberian rivals Portugal and Spain clash in the first semi-final of Euro 2012 at the Donbass Arena in Donetsk on Wednesday June 27 – and it promises to be a thrilling encounter.

The Portuguese will be out for revenge after losing 1-0 when the teams last met in the 2010 World Cup and their recent record against Spain certainly leaves something to be desired.

Indeed, the biggest hurt perhaps to Portugal and their fans over the past few years has been Spain’s absolute dominance on both the European and global stage – a stark contrast to Portugal who have struggled to make an impact on the main since their ‘Golden Era’ was phased out around 2006.

But this time around, Portugal will carry real hope of dethroning Vicente Del Bosque’s men and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo will smell the blood of his Barcelona adversaries who form the heart of the Spanish side.

Ronaldo has been in imperious form against Holland and the Czech Republic and finally appears to be hitting the heights of his club performances for the national team.

Portugal are not a one man outfit however, yet it does seem as if captain Ronaldo has inspired his peers to reach a whole new level and their quality from one through to eleven has been unquestionable so far at the tournament.

Spain controlled the game in typical fashion during their quarter-final with an abysmal France, winning the contest at a canter following Xabi Alonso’s early header.

Del Bosque’s charges definitely look capable of playing better nevertheless and they did miss a whole host of chances against Les Bleus and throughout the group phase.

But they may find it difficult to monopolise possession against Portugal who have been equally impressive in terms of passing ability and creativity.

Spain’s tendency to pack the midfield out could frustrate the Portuguese more than anything and it will be down to Ronaldo and Joao Moutinho to find some space.

Paulo Bento usually loves to give free reign to adventurous full backs Jose Pereira and Fabio Coentrao but their attacking duties could be reduced at least for the first half until the match becomes more stretched and open.

Punters are likely to stay loyal with the current champions however this will be an extremely tough fixture for them with Portugal looking a significant danger in all areas of attack – and much more equipped to topple the favourites than two years ago in South Africa.

And Bento’s side can also defend, with Pepe and Bruno Alves having already formed a rock solid partnership in the centre of defence.

It is hard on the majority of occasions to oppose the Spanish but the 10/11 just doesn’t appeal as they should be narrow odds against.

Whilst Portugal have a definite opportunity to make their mark, the 7/2 for success in ninety minutes also leaves you wanting a little more and it is for that reason a draw at 12/5 catches the eye.

The intensity of the match alone should influence a closely fought affair and there is enough class on the field from both sides to cancel one another out at least until extra time.

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26/06/2012     © Frixo 2024