Denmark v Portugal – Wednesday 13 June, 5pm kick off
Fifa Rankings
Denmark 9
Portugal 10
Group B’s second round kicks off with a rematch from the qualifiers. Denmark topped their group with Portugal finishing in second, both had a win apiece but over the last few years Denmark have definitely had the upper hand in the head to heads winning 3 of the last 5. The build up doesn’t get any better for Portugal going into this on a terrible run of form, no wins in their last 4, only 1 goal and coming up against a Denmark side on a high after pulling off the shock of the first round by beating the Dutch. Will Paulo Bento’s men be the first to exit this year’s tournament?
Tactics
Both teams have no injury worries after the first round so any changes barring any late injuries will be tactical. The worry for Portugal recently has been about goals, only 1 in their last 4 which is slightly surprising given they averaged over 2.5 goals per match in qualifying. It seems likely that Postiga will be replaced but the question for Bento is who to pick from. Hugo Almeida has recovered from flu and is fit to play, he scored 15 goals this season for Besiktas so could be favourite but there is talk that the 20 year old Nelson Oliveira could be given his first start.
Denmark look likely to be unchanged but one possible change could be Michael Silbrauer may come in to mark Ronaldo as was the case in qualifying. Bendtner will win his 50th cap and has good form against Portugal with 4 goals in 4 matches against them. The match winner from Saturday, Michael Krohn-Delhi will once again look to provide a threat from the left with our old friend Dennis on the right.
One to Watch
Portugal – Ronaldo
Denmark - Eriksen
Odds
Denmark – 10/3 (bet 365)
Portugal – 11/10 (Stan James)
Draw – 5/2 (Bodog)
Prediction
Difficult one to call, given the recent form of these two you would have to go for a Denmark win. However, even in their defeat to Germany, Portugal did have a number of chances to score even hitting the woodwork twice. Yes, they did set up defensively but when they broke on the counter and in the last 20 minutes when they were chasing the game they did look dangerous but once again their recent problem of failing to find the back of the net came up. Denmark on the other hand, although an excellent result on Saturday they did ride their luck against Holland.
So I will be sitting on the fence and will go for a 1-1 draw.
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Comments
... Denmark 0 v Portugal 2 ...
ahh remember those heddy days.. revealing our new signings on the south bank of the thames...
Ronaldo to score anytime ( 6-4 Betfair)
Zimling to recieve a card ( 2-1 Betfair)
Rommedahl with a goal and an assist.
That would more or less double his career tally wouldn't it? Most disappointing player EVER at CAFC he proves that running fast doesn't make you a good player
Never took up the advice I gave him on many occassions.
Always looks quality in internationals though....
Also nice to see Scotland making an appearance in the shape of the referee today.
if your going to do one then make it mortal kombat.
3....2....1....Fight!
Also have a Pepe and Portugal wincast at 18/1 looking good!
Loving the fact I get football on normal TV for once ! 20 days of live football