SPAIN VS PORTUGAL (EURO 2012 SEMI FINALS)

Revenge is on the mind of Portugal,as they hope to pay Spain back in their own coin,you will recall that the La Fura Rojas ousted Ronaldo and his team mate in the round of 16 at south Africa 2010 world cup. Now there wouldn’t be any better means of inflicting same pain on the current European and World champions than denying them a chance to retain the European championship.

Spain

Vincente Del Bosque’s side are tournament favourite and are currently living up to billing,the La fura Roja started the competition on a 1-1 draw against Italy but were on rampage in their second game against Ireland in which they put in 4 unreplied goals. In their final group game.Jesus Navas beat the offside trap to steal a victory as it ended 1-0. Spain continued their zeal in retaining the trophy they won in 2008 by displacing France 2-0 thanks to a brace fro Xabi Alonso on his 100th cap.

However,the spanish team have really been lacking in their usual swagger,though the passing vision is still there,but the likes of Xavi and Iniesta have really not been it when it comes to having full impact on the team,showing sign of fatigue and drainage which is usually common among players after a long season. Del Bosque must conclude whether or not to go with the 4-6-0 formation which he started with against Italy and also displayed in the quarter finals against France.That means no point man,I mean a central or standing 9 and will be playing six midfielders. He must choose which will be best for him at this stage,as it means winner take it all and looser witness the final game on Sunday as a spectator.

Portugal

The seleccao cruised to the semi-finals at the expense of Czech Republic in the last round. A 79th minute header by Cristiano Ronaldo was all enough to seal the win for the Portuguese. This team has been blowing hot and cold since the qualification round of this tournament but seems to be finding their rhythm at the right time.

Portugal dominated the proceedings the entire night, allowing the Czechs only two shots on target but despite their dominance display,they will have to be careful against defending title-holders Spain as they were excessively wasteful against the Czechs, throwing away chances here and there. Another headache for Paulo Bento is that first choice striker Helder Postiga is out due to injury,but can count on the prowess of captain Ronaldo and the trickery of Nani to do the damage.

Probable line ups:

Spain:Cassilas,Alba,Arbeloa,Pique,Ramos,Xavi,Busquet,Alonso,Iniesta,Silva,Fabregas.

Portugal:Patricio,Contreao,Pepe,B.Alves,pereira,Veloso,Moutinho,Meireles,Nani,Ronaldo,Almeida

Verdict

Portugal has no choice than to allow Spain do the playing and then count on the pace of Nani and Ronaldo to the counter attacking and not just that they must have to be clinical in front of goals,as there wont be much chances begging for conversion in this one. Spain on their part will have all the time and space on the ball and will definitely create a mountain from a mole as their tiki taka style of play is capable of breaking down any form of defense. Here I see Spain taking a huge step in retaining their trophy and on course for been the only team to win three major trophies in succession.Though Portugal will give it a strong test but it wont just be enough to stop the La Fura Roja. They have made a good outing here in poland and ukraine and bowing out in the semi final, not just against any type of opposition but against the current world and European champions is a thing to look back on and congratulate each other.

Prediction

Spain to go through.

 

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