Portugal is tipped for a short stay in Poland and Ukraine, but the team of Paulo Bento exceeded expectations, and but for a little more bite attack could have been finalists.
Developed together with Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark in the 'Group of Death' of the UEFA EURO 2012, Portugal is not expected to match Group B trio of former European champions. However, after leaving that group difficult in an impressive style, Paulo Bento team showed that they were full of character, confidence and capacity.
In one word
Finish. There was some concern in the country that Portugal reached the final after scoring only once in three games in 2012, a fear heightened by drawing a blank in the first match with Germany. Bento side were lucky not to be punished for missing a number of opportunities in the victories against Denmark, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic, but could not capitalize on opportunities in the 90 minutes against holders Spain.
High point
Overall, the outlook is positive. Cristiano Ronaldo now closely resembles the prolific marksman is for Real Madrid CF, and the defense is much stronger than it was in Switzerland and Austria for four years. Bento has created a stable unit of players who trust him and each other, underlined by the fact that he only changed his first XI, bringing in for the injured Hugo Almeida Helder Postiga in the semifinal.
Key man
From the opening match against Germany, when he sent Ronaldo racing clear on goal with a delightful through ball, the passing of João Moutinho was visionary and perfectly executed. The cross for the winner of Ronaldo and tackle and the complement was against Spain, highlighted the way it has become a complete midfield player - the "real star of Portugal", as his FC Porto president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa, described it this week. He did not make the squad for 2010 FIFA World Cup, but it's hard to imagine a team of Portugal without it now.
Hope for the Future
Blessed with a seemingly endless supply of world class ends, Portugal has been looking for an equivalent center forward for years. Looks like we may have found Nelson Oliveira. The 21-year-old has made just two league starts on SL Benfica, but showed in the first game against Germany that is not intimidated by the big stage. Powerful and intelligent, observe its development promises to be exciting.
Vital Statistics
Despite scoring six goals in the tournament overall, five of them were in matches against Denmark and the Netherlands - Portugal scored just once in their other three games.
One last word
"We have shown tremendous strength and determination. Always believed in our group, grew in confidence game by game and that's how we ended up where we did." I believe that the Portuguese can be proud of us"."
Nani, reflecting shortly after the start of the semifinal against Spain.
Developed together with Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark in the 'Group of Death' of the UEFA EURO 2012, Portugal is not expected to match Group B trio of former European champions. However, after leaving that group difficult in an impressive style, Paulo Bento team showed that they were full of character, confidence and capacity.
In one word
Finish. There was some concern in the country that Portugal reached the final after scoring only once in three games in 2012, a fear heightened by drawing a blank in the first match with Germany. Bento side were lucky not to be punished for missing a number of opportunities in the victories against Denmark, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic, but could not capitalize on opportunities in the 90 minutes against holders Spain.
High point
Overall, the outlook is positive. Cristiano Ronaldo now closely resembles the prolific marksman is for Real Madrid CF, and the defense is much stronger than it was in Switzerland and Austria for four years. Bento has created a stable unit of players who trust him and each other, underlined by the fact that he only changed his first XI, bringing in for the injured Hugo Almeida Helder Postiga in the semifinal.
Key man
From the opening match against Germany, when he sent Ronaldo racing clear on goal with a delightful through ball, the passing of João Moutinho was visionary and perfectly executed. The cross for the winner of Ronaldo and tackle and the complement was against Spain, highlighted the way it has become a complete midfield player - the "real star of Portugal", as his FC Porto president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa, described it this week. He did not make the squad for 2010 FIFA World Cup, but it's hard to imagine a team of Portugal without it now.
Hope for the Future
Blessed with a seemingly endless supply of world class ends, Portugal has been looking for an equivalent center forward for years. Looks like we may have found Nelson Oliveira. The 21-year-old has made just two league starts on SL Benfica, but showed in the first game against Germany that is not intimidated by the big stage. Powerful and intelligent, observe its development promises to be exciting.
Vital Statistics
Despite scoring six goals in the tournament overall, five of them were in matches against Denmark and the Netherlands - Portugal scored just once in their other three games.
One last word
"We have shown tremendous strength and determination. Always believed in our group, grew in confidence game by game and that's how we ended up where we did." I believe that the Portuguese can be proud of us"."
Nani, reflecting shortly after the start of the semifinal against Spain.
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