Attention: Please take a moment to consider our terms and conditions before posting.

Euro 2012 Semi Final - Portugal v Spain - Wednesday 27th June, 7.45pm

Fifa rankings

Portugal 10
Spain 1

Postcard from Poland (and Ukraine)

So the semi finals begin with a mouthwatering Iberian derby. All those licking their wounds after England were predictably dispatched at the quarter-final stage by penalty shootout can look forward to what could well be this tournaments defining game.

La Roja are yet to ignite at the tournament and a comfortable 2-0 victory over France in the quarters was routine rather than spectacular. Vicente del Bosque’s biggest question is over his forward line – or lack of. In the opening game against Italy the Spanish played without a recognized striker, relying instead on Cesc Fabregas to play much further forward, as he did for Barca in the previous season. This underlines Spain’s real “weakness”. In both the Italy and France games Spain lacked a real cutting edge upfront, and for all the tika-taka football which will inevitably be played, the absence of a striker may prove critical should they need to find goals in this game. So in the absence of the breathtaking David Villa, Spain must choose between the much ridiculed Fernando Torres, Sevilla powerhouse Alvaro Negredo or the “English style” Fernando Llorente - who is yet to kick a ball in the tournament despite a fine season for Bilbao. Behind whoever is (or is not in this case) selected upfront will be Spain’s formidable midfield. After Mikel Alonso’s slightly more famous brother Xabi grabbed a brace to send the French home, his place is assured which means either Cesc (as he’s known in international duty) or David Silva would make way should the Spanish opt to play one upfront as the Barca three of Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets seem assured of starting berths.

Unlike their Spanish cousins,the Portugese offer very little options around their starting line up. Portugal have fielded the same starting line up, in the same formation, in every game of the tournament. And therein lies the problem for Paulo Bento, options from the bench are sparse. Selecção have thus far looked to Benfica youngster Nelson Oliveira for inspiration from the sidelines, however he is raw and has only five career goals to his name, none in the top flight. So the tried and tested trio of Ronaldo, Postiga, and Nani will carry Portugese hopes and after an indifferent start to the tournament the last couple of games have seen Ronaldo come to life. Ronnie is under pressure to prove his worth in a national team jersey and this chance against his Real teammates seems too good to miss. The comparative weakness in the Portugese side is exposed when we look behind this array of talent (and Postiga). Pepe and Bruno Alves are tough but hardly quick in their centre back positions and Miguel Veloso as the holding midfielder will have his work cut out trying to ensure the Spanish aren’t able to overrun should the forward three push too far into enemy territory.

Predictions

I’m going to be bold, put my neck on the line and make it interesting. I think Portugal will win. Spain haven’t been amazing and in fairness that’s because they haven’t needed to be, however it’s very difficult to play in second gear for four games and suddenly shift to fifth on command. Add to this Ronaldo’s desire, nay, his need to prove himself on “the world stage” and you have a compelling case for Portugal. 2-1 Portugal.

Ones to watch

Iniesta (Spain)
Ronaldo (Portugal)

Odds

Portugal 7/2 (Various)
Spain 10/11 (SkyBet)
Draw 12/5 (Bet365)
«1

Comments

  • Come On You Spanish!

    Anyone But Portugal!
  • edited June 2012
    Portugal to nick this one in my opinion.

    Spain have too many players who have played through injury this season, or are carrying injuries now and have missed Villa and the certainty of a reliable forward.

    I predict the Ronaldo show to continue and for Nani and Ronaldo to really use their pace and get at a pedestrian Spanish back 4 (J Alba aside).

    2-1
  • Yep, I think the cup has got Ronaldos name on it, 2-1 for me
  • who cares. : (
  • Spain will win, to many good players
  • edited June 2012
    Come on Spain, I just can't stand that Ronaldo bloke.

    Spain 2 - 0 Portugal
  • This is like having to choose to vote for Tony Blair or George Bush, neither is a pleasant option.

    Spain bored the arse off the world in winning the last World Cup - 8 goals in 7 games is pathetic - and are trying the same trick here and in recent history Portugal have not been much better, preferring risk-free possession football to actually trying to score goals (apart from their demolition of the mighty North Korea).

    I hope Portugal win, if only to wipe some of the smugness out of the unbearably patronising Spanish fans who feel everyone should be in love with their "Tika-Taka" bullshit football and can't bear to be criticised.

    I expect this game to contain more amateur dramatics than the whole of Compton Street's gay bars on a Friday Night, I already feel sorry for the poor bastard who has to referee this as they will be trying to get each other sent off from the first whistle.
  • im going 2-1 spain, a shedload of histrionics inevitably leading to the first brawl of the tournament and several red cards - just a shame pinto isnt in the squad to add to the entertainment
  • Portugal 1 v Spain 0 .. and Italy will beat Germany and then go on to win the final.
  • portugal tonight 2-1 and then will beat Germany on pens in final.
  • Sponsored links:


  • Ormiston said: I hope Portugal win, if only to wipe some of the smugness out of the unbearably patronising Spanish fans who feel everyone should be in love with their "Tika-Taka" bullshit football and can't bear to be criticised.

    Agree Ormy I am sick of the arrogance of the Spanish mind you they are pretty good but I think they may slip up tonight. Ronaldo as a human being is a bit of a dick but he is one hell of a player and will cause them problems I predict.
  • Spain to spank em 4-0
  • Portugal V Spain 1-2 Score ( 9-1 Coral )
    Both teams to score ( 8-11 StanJames )
    Pique to score anytime ( 14-1 Bet365 )
  • It happens every tournament - the pain of England being eliminated does somehow drop my interest considerably. I wish it wasn't like that but it is!

    Should be a good game, though I find it hard to bet against the Spanish.
  • This is like having to choose to vote for Tony Blair or George Bush, neither is a pleasant option.

    Spain bored the arse off the world in winning the last World Cup - 8 goals in 7 games is pathetic - and are trying the same trick here and in recent history Portugal have not been much better, preferring risk-free possession football to actually trying to score goals (apart from their demolition of the mighty North Korea).

    I hope Portugal win, if only to wipe some of the smugness out of the unbearably patronising Spanish fans who feel everyone should be in love with their "Tika-Taka" bullshit football and can't bear to be criticised.

    I expect this game to contain more amateur dramatics than the whole of Compton Street's gay bars on a Friday Night, I already feel sorry for the poor bastard who has to referee this as they will be trying to get each other sent off from the first whistle.
    Been reading Johnny Nic by any chance Ormy? ;-)
    http://www.football365.com/faves/7844148/Johnny-Nic
  • Will definatly be a game to watch.

    Of course Spain will fear Ronaldo and that alone could make a bit of a difference.

    I suspect Spain will dominate posession until they find an opening - like they always do. Their football is always easy on the eye even if they play defensive and negative.
  • This is like having to choose to vote for Tony Blair or George Bush, neither is a pleasant option.

    Spain bored the arse off the world in winning the last World Cup - 8 goals in 7 games is pathetic - and are trying the same trick here and in recent history Portugal have not been much better, preferring risk-free possession football to actually trying to score goals (apart from their demolition of the mighty North Korea).

    I hope Portugal win, if only to wipe some of the smugness out of the unbearably patronising Spanish fans who feel everyone should be in love with their "Tika-Taka" bullshit football and can't bear to be criticised.

    I expect this game to contain more amateur dramatics than the whole of Compton Street's gay bars on a Friday Night, I already feel sorry for the poor bastard who has to referee this as they will be trying to get each other sent off from the first whistle.
    His name is Cuneyt Cakir - he's just asking for abuse, isn't he?!
  • Yep, I think the cup has got Ronaldos name on it, 2-1 for me
    Totally agree
  • Come on the pork&cheese, our oldest allies (apparently!)
  • Has Keown got anything else to say apart from compare Spain to England? Almost as insightful as Lawrenson.
  • Sponsored links:


  • And a few more comparisons to England - Giving us a lesson, are we watching England etc. Tosser.
  • is it me or is this p***k of a commentator on drugs. 'the first 30 miins has been great', 'fantastic contest', 'if the final is like this, we will not be dissapointed'.

    ive clicked on the red button and chosen the no commentary option.
  • I went for the Dave option and am now watching Ray Mears
  • Not the best of matches, not helped by the commentary
  • edited June 2012
    This is so dull. I think i'm all Footballed out.
  • I was not far wrong, was I?

    Lovely skill, technique etc but very little endeavour or inspiration.
  • Dreadful game
  • I really cant believe your negative comments, I think it's a great game.
    One of the best 0-0s I've ever seen
  • Going to be a red card in extra time, with all the yellows towards the end of the game in normal time.
  • Going to be a red card in extra time, with all the yellows towards the end of the game in normal time.
    Definately
Sign In or Register to comment.

Roland Out Forever!