Portugal may have begun with a loss to Germany, but, driven by the inspiration of Cristiano Ronaldo, look in top form ahead of the EURO third semifinal in four attempts.
When Portugal came to Poland training camp three weeks ago, the expectation was relatively low. Without a win in three games in 2012, scoring once in the process, they faced a tough group stage against imaginary Germany, to say nothing of the Netherlands and Denmark. Now in third UEFA European Championship semi-finals in four attempts, there is a growing belief that Paulo Bento side can go one better than his 2004 defeat showpiece in his homeland and a trap first international trophy.
Tactics: Bento stability has taken a new level, selecting the same starting XI in the four games - indeed, an identical XI which played two matches in the qualifying play-off with Bosnia and Herzegovina in November. Although there will be no changes seventh straight game due to hamstring injury Helder Postiga, the 4-3-3 will continue, with a striker - most likely to Hugo Almeida - flanked by Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo. "We will not change for anyone," Bento said last week.
Key Man: Ronaldo has fulfilled its reputation as a player of the tournament's highest profile with gusto, so the difference with two goals against the Dutch and the decisive blow in the quarterfinals against the Czech Republic. "It's a very complete player," said teammate João Moutinho. "I do not think I could highlight weaknesses. It's great, head, feet, and he is very fast." Collaboration on the left Ronaldo with Real Madrid CF colleague Fabio Coentrão has been very important for Portugal.
EURO semifinal record / pedigree:
23/06/1984 France 3-2 Portugal (ts) (Marseille)
28/06/2000 France 2-1 Portugal (GG) (Brussels)
30/06/2004 Holland 2-1 Portugal (Lisbon)
Basecamp: The team seems to enjoy each other's company, and its unity, happiness and dedication he has shown in training camp at the base Opalenica. Defender Ricardo Costa, however, play in the UEFA EURO 2012, said this week that everyone has their own role. "Ronaldo-dependency?" said. "We are dependent on Ricardo, Eduardo-dependent and [Raul] Meireles-dependent as well. Christian is our flagship, which is the best player in the world and helps us a lot, but does not depend only on him."
Log in Donetsk: This is a first trip to Donetsk to Portugal, but his coach has reason for confidence of having led the Sporting Clube de Portugal to a 1-0 win against FC Shakhtar Donetsk in their only previous match in the bastion of mining. Moreover, his side for the 2008/09 fixture of UEFA Champions League stage featured the current international Rui Patricio, Miguel Veloso and (as alternate) Postiga.
João Moutinho, Rolando and Silvestre Varela has also played in the Donbass Arena before, winning 2-0 with FC Porto at the stage of the UEFA Champions League this season. The six UEFA matches played by the Portuguese side in Donetsk have W3 L1 D2 finished with Hugo that appears in the only loss of Viana, a setback with the SC Braga 2-0 in stage 2010/11 UEFA Champions League.
Room for improvement: One aspect that might be considered is slow start to Portugal for parties. In each of their four games of the UEFA EURO 2012 to date, Bento's team have started on the back foot. They have been good in responding to adversity, at least, recover from a goal against the Netherlands, but he reacted too late to salvage a point in his first game with Germany. A team of nature attack Portugal have the ability to be more proactive than reactive, and Bento will be willing to give ground early to avoid Spain.
The view from the house: Optimism continues to build the largest team go. Portuguese journal insists that "Portugal are not afraid to Spain", while O Jogo focuses on the growing influence of captain and talisman of Bento, Ronaldo ". Better than [Lionel] Messi and everything else"
Mission Statement: "We have great respect for them, but we have respect for ourselves too, have a great team and great players, and we are confident in our game." João Pereira is not intimidated by the prospect of playing the defending champions.
When Portugal came to Poland training camp three weeks ago, the expectation was relatively low. Without a win in three games in 2012, scoring once in the process, they faced a tough group stage against imaginary Germany, to say nothing of the Netherlands and Denmark. Now in third UEFA European Championship semi-finals in four attempts, there is a growing belief that Paulo Bento side can go one better than his 2004 defeat showpiece in his homeland and a trap first international trophy.
Tactics: Bento stability has taken a new level, selecting the same starting XI in the four games - indeed, an identical XI which played two matches in the qualifying play-off with Bosnia and Herzegovina in November. Although there will be no changes seventh straight game due to hamstring injury Helder Postiga, the 4-3-3 will continue, with a striker - most likely to Hugo Almeida - flanked by Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo. "We will not change for anyone," Bento said last week.
Key Man: Ronaldo has fulfilled its reputation as a player of the tournament's highest profile with gusto, so the difference with two goals against the Dutch and the decisive blow in the quarterfinals against the Czech Republic. "It's a very complete player," said teammate João Moutinho. "I do not think I could highlight weaknesses. It's great, head, feet, and he is very fast." Collaboration on the left Ronaldo with Real Madrid CF colleague Fabio Coentrão has been very important for Portugal.
EURO semifinal record / pedigree:
23/06/1984 France 3-2 Portugal (ts) (Marseille)
28/06/2000 France 2-1 Portugal (GG) (Brussels)
30/06/2004 Holland 2-1 Portugal (Lisbon)
Basecamp: The team seems to enjoy each other's company, and its unity, happiness and dedication he has shown in training camp at the base Opalenica. Defender Ricardo Costa, however, play in the UEFA EURO 2012, said this week that everyone has their own role. "Ronaldo-dependency?" said. "We are dependent on Ricardo, Eduardo-dependent and [Raul] Meireles-dependent as well. Christian is our flagship, which is the best player in the world and helps us a lot, but does not depend only on him."
Log in Donetsk: This is a first trip to Donetsk to Portugal, but his coach has reason for confidence of having led the Sporting Clube de Portugal to a 1-0 win against FC Shakhtar Donetsk in their only previous match in the bastion of mining. Moreover, his side for the 2008/09 fixture of UEFA Champions League stage featured the current international Rui Patricio, Miguel Veloso and (as alternate) Postiga.
João Moutinho, Rolando and Silvestre Varela has also played in the Donbass Arena before, winning 2-0 with FC Porto at the stage of the UEFA Champions League this season. The six UEFA matches played by the Portuguese side in Donetsk have W3 L1 D2 finished with Hugo that appears in the only loss of Viana, a setback with the SC Braga 2-0 in stage 2010/11 UEFA Champions League.
Room for improvement: One aspect that might be considered is slow start to Portugal for parties. In each of their four games of the UEFA EURO 2012 to date, Bento's team have started on the back foot. They have been good in responding to adversity, at least, recover from a goal against the Netherlands, but he reacted too late to salvage a point in his first game with Germany. A team of nature attack Portugal have the ability to be more proactive than reactive, and Bento will be willing to give ground early to avoid Spain.
The view from the house: Optimism continues to build the largest team go. Portuguese journal insists that "Portugal are not afraid to Spain", while O Jogo focuses on the growing influence of captain and talisman of Bento, Ronaldo ". Better than [Lionel] Messi and everything else"
Mission Statement: "We have great respect for them, but we have respect for ourselves too, have a great team and great players, and we are confident in our game." João Pereira is not intimidated by the prospect of playing the defending champions.
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