Portugal - Germany ( Portugalia - germania ) Euro 2008
The first quarter final of Euro 2008 pits Portugal (who have made it to the semi-final stage of the previous two tournaments) against Germany (who have made it to the quarter-final for the first time since their 1996 triumph). Everything is set for a fascinating match-up.
Ready To Take The Next Step?
Portugal have become a real tournament side in recent years having made it to the last eight in their last four major finals tournaments. As hosts in 2004 they went very close to winning their first major honour only for rank outsiders Greece to upset the apple cart with their shock win.
In the last World Cup they made it as far as the semi final only to fall at the hands of France. They then lost the rather meaningless 3rd place play-off to Germany.
Luiz Felipe Scolari looks to have built another side capable of going a long way, but the question is: can Portugal make it all the way this time?
They opened the current tournament with a 2-0 win over Turkey with Pepe and Meireles scoring two second half goals to get them off to the ideal start.
Then came the crunch match in the group against the Czech Republic. It was a case of the Ronaldo show kicking into gear as the Manchester United ace scored one and set up two in a 3-1 win. Those three points secured Portugal’s place in the quarter finals.
Scolari made a whole host of changes for the final group game against hosts Switzerland and unlike Holland it backfired on him. The Swiss came out 2-0 winners with Hakan Yakin grabbing a brace. Against the Germans expect to see the team used in the opening two games back in action.
"We have had two very good second halves" said Scolari. "Principally we have played football. We've worked with the ball, that is our quality he added."
The Brazilian coach has already declared his admiration for Germany saying: "Tactically, I've seen no one better than Germany" after their win over Poland.
This could be Scolari’s last game in charge should the Portuguese lose. He, the team and a whole nation will be hoping that the highly rated trainer will get a few more games for the national team before he takes on the Chelsea challenge.
Favourites No More
Going into this summer’s tournament Germany were one of the clear favourites to lift the trophy for a fourth time. They are still in with a shout, but it wouldn’t be unfair to say that they don’t go into this quarter final as the favourites.
A rather comfortable opening win over Poland went according to the script, but the Germans were brought rather abruptly to a halt when Croatia completely outplayed them in Klagenfurt and completely deserved their 2-1 victory.
Questions marks were raised over the defence, with Christophe Metzelder off the pace and the partnership with Per Mertesacker showing a clear lack of mobility.
The forwards have also come under criticism for their goal-shy tendencies. Mario Gomez in particular has looked a pale shadow of the player who has taken the Bundesliga by storm over the past two seasons.
The Germans had to go into their final group B match against rivals Austria needing a result and the duly got it thanks a superb Michael Ballack free kick.
The one disadvantage Germany will have going into Thursday’s quarter final clash is the enforced absence of trainer Joachim Löw from the bench. The Bundestrainer has been handed a one-match ban from Uefa following his sending off against Austria.
Hansi Flick will take control of team affairs on the day with Löw forced to look on from the stands with no contact with his charges
FORM GUIDE
Portugal
15/06/08 Switzerland 2 Portugal 0 (Euro 2008)
11/06/08 Portugal 3 Czech Republic 1 (Euro 2008)
07/06/08 Portugal 2 Turkey 0 (Euro 2008)
31/05/08 Portugal 2 Georgia 0 (Friendly)
26/03/08 Portugal 1 Greece 2 (Friendly)
06/02/08 Italy 3 Portugal 1(Friendly)
Germany
16/06/08 Austria 0 Germany 1 (Euro 2008)
12/08/08 Germany 1 Croatia 2 (Euro 2008)
08/06/08 Germany 2 Poland (Euro 2008)
31/05/08 Germany 2 Serbia 1 (Friendly)
27/05/08 Germany 2 Belarus 2 (Friendly)
26/03/08 Switzerland 0 Germany 4 (Friendly)
Do not expect too many surprises from Luiz Filipe Scolari. After resting all his key players for the final group stage match against Switzerland he will once more return to his first-choice line-up he used in the opening two victories.
Possible Starting Line-Up: Ricardo, Bosingwa, Pepe, Carvalho, Ferreira, Petit, Simao, Deco, Moutinho, Ronaldo, Gomes
Germany
Torsten Frings is the major worry for Germany having suffered a broken rib in the previous match against Austria. The Werder Bremen midfielder will be given right up until the last minute to prove his fitness such is his importance to the team. If he doesn’t make it, expect either Tim Borowski or Thomas Hitzlsperger to step in.
Bastian Schweinsteiger is expected to return to the side after serving a one-match ban against Austria for his stupid sending off versus Croatia.
Another question remains the form (or lack of it) of Mario Gomez. His confidence appears low and the sitter he missed against Austria is indicative of his low ebb. Whether Jogi Löw decides to take him out of the firing line, or stick with him remains to be seen. Lukas Podolski could be pushed up front from his wide left midfield role.
Possible Starting Line-Up: Lehmann, Friedrich, Metzelder, Mertesacker, Lahm, Frings, Ballack, Schweinsteiger, Podolski, Gomez, Klose
Tip : victory for Portugal beacouse Purtugal has a better team with much many star players than Deutchsland. Over 2.5 becouse after the first team will score the other one will have 2 attack and will leave empty spaces in the defence
posted by Midnight Sun @ 01:21,
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