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Euro 2008: Portugal v Czech Republic
Your pre and post match verdict
After the highly encouraging victory in Portugal’s first match againt Turkey, next up is the Czech Republic, who also started with a win against hosts Switzerland.
What can we expect from the game? We want your predictions and your reaction to the match.
In a regular item to run throughout Euro 2008 PortuGOAL asks its readers to give their ratings (from 1-10) to each player. Join the discussion using the form below.
match kick-off: 11/06/2008, 17.00 CETPortugal v Czech Republic - Your verdict
Your Say Euro 2008 special
New topics will be added throughout the duration of the tournament. If you have a topic to suggest drop us an e-mail at euro2008@portugoal.net.
Euro 2008 general
Portugal v Czech Republic - Your Verdict
Portugal v Turkey - Your Verdict
Who are your tournament favouites?
Scolari: Portuguese football hero or overrated?
Pick Portugal’s perfect attack
Pick Portugal’s perfect midfield
Pick Portugal’s perfect defence
Would you like to contribute with an opinion article? If so please send it (400 words max) to fanszone@portugoal.net.
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right or wrong?
13/06/2008 06:49
What happened yesterday between Germany and Croatia,just goes to show that is almost impossible to predict who's going to be the final 4 let alone the winner!The croatians didn't just display technical abiliety but also the desire to win they didn't seat back on the 1st goal,they kept on going and that remind me of us.The Germans on the other side looked weak at the back and at the front with Gomez missing every single oportunity,so if we play them in the quarter finals we may well be on the winning side if Scolari manages to sort out Petit and Ferreira as those were the players who looked weaker in the last match against the czecks.I dont know why people keep on about Quaresma.He's not a team player,on the top of that is inconsistent!!!Simão had a bad game but i'm expecting him to pick himself up and help the team as i know he can...Cant wait for the quarter finals ...
13/06/2008 05:06
Rick said it all eloquently, and I agree with him.
Ronaldo is playing his best football so far, after a little while of opening up the play by passing teams will adapt and stop triple marking him and he will combine it all passing and dribbling, there is evolution.
You have to appreciate the intricacies of the game to really understand what is going on.
13/06/2008 05:04
Petit pissed me right off,he almost gave the game away !!!!
12/06/2008 21:58
Portugal vs Germany Quarterfinals?
Portugal vs Croatia Semifinals?
Portugal beats Germany 2-1
Portugal beats Croatia 3-1
Portugal beats Holland in final in penalties!
Portugal Forca!!!!
12/06/2008 19:42
sorry folks,
The last post was mine.
12/06/2008 19:41
Costinha,
I would also take Nani over Simao and Quaresma
12/06/2008 19:07
Felipe, I think you're confusing Ronaldo's focus, maturity, and sheer determination for a lack of confidence. I see a player who is responding to triple coverage with unselfish play. He is ensuring that his previous circus displays do not distract the overall goal of WINNING GAMES.
I can't believe that this is even being discussed! Would you prefer him diving and arguing with the referee? He can't cath a break. If he smiles, heel kicks, and does step overs, he's immature. If he doesn't smile and is focused, he is distracted and not confident. Damn, are we as fans so jaded that we always have to find the negative in our side's performance?
I believe this team understands what the ultimate goal is here. I don't remember any national team going through so many distractions, so much intl press coverage and seem so unfazed. Their head coach is known to be leaving, their top defenseman is said to want out of Chelsea, every top club in the world is said to be after half of the squad, and of course Real Madrid has offered the entire economy of a Central American nation in exchange for Ronaldo! But have you noticed a lack of focus on the pitch? Maybe I am watching a different television feed than some of you.
Everything we have always wanted from our humble Portuguese squad, we are seeing. Hopefully it continues and if we're lucky and fate is on our side, we as fans can remove the noose from around our necks, sit back, relax and breathe the sweet air of a European Championship.
12/06/2008 17:30
Costinha, nothing to do with the stepovers or the Flamboyant game he shows at MU. It's about his level of confidence. He is the one player that can get passed players and create an opening when the game's stuck - He has not been to that level yet - the one special player who was able to do that and dictaded everything so far is Deco.Again, I am not questionning Ronaldo's overall contribution,just saying is definitely not 100% from what we know is capable of
12/06/2008 17:20
I dont know what else Ronaldo can possibly do to be better. He's being unselfish, He's taking shots, creating oppurtunities and he's doing very well. He's being a team player. Just because he's not doing 30 stepovers and maradonas doesnt mean he's playing poorly. I feel he's being a complete player so far. Plus he always has at least two markers on him which is difficult. Only thing i wish he would do is to stop diving so much.
12/06/2008 17:13
Control, a lot maturity and spirit that's what this portuguese team has gained over the years. Strong performance from the boys.
Few comments though :
- Why is Simao playing 3/4 of the game when we have Quaresma and especially Nani on the bench who can bring much more speed, threat on one to ones and create the outbreak when we need it most?
- Something's wrong with Ronaldo,he is preoccupied,far from his best, just look at his reaction in the tunnel at half time, the boy's is not cheerful at all,complaining, I watch MU every week, where he is all smiling, why isn't he enjoying himself, that's when is the best.
(Still great to have him though even at 60% or so)
- Why is Ricardo unquestionnable as the no 1 keeper, No portuguese I know feels secure with that guy, Scolari, pls open your eyes.
-I hear a lot of critics on Quaresma, yes he does his useless tricks sometimes but you not going to get the best out of him by playing him 10 mns in a game, the role of a great coach is to get the best of undisciplined but pure talents
Quaresma or Nani can do magic to unlock a game, Simao cannot
12/06/2008 17:08
Fernando i also disagree with you about Quaresma. I will admit he doesnt play defense very well but watching last game he is definitely better than simao. Simao lost balls and i never saw him on defense. I would say quaresma is the better option. Personally id put in Nani but hes still very inexperienced so its a tough decision. But if simao doesnt step up quaresma or nani must play
12/06/2008 17:06
Miguel you are very wrong about gomes. He has contributed to two goals. He has hit the post 2 times and his work rate is phenomenal. Im usually very critical of Nuno Gomes but i can admit when a player is on form.
12/06/2008 16:23
For the next match, as a minimum, Scolari should rest Ronaldo, Deco, Pepe, and Carvalho. This is the new core. He should give players like Veloso, Nani, Patricio, Ribero, Almeida (he looked slow vs. Czech) and Alves an opportunity to gain more international experience.
One last point. I was watching the game with a buddy of mine and I commented that Portugal scores alot of big goals in the 55- 70 minute. Of course Ronaldo went on to score a thumper in the 62 minute. This isn't a strange Portuguese national team coincidence. This is the period in a a match when even very fit players start to show signs of fatigue. A huge key to victory in all our matches is our ability to wear down and spread defenses by tons of accurate passing. When Portugal plays well, they pass the ball alot. This, of course, tires the opposition and eventually gaps occur and the goals will come. Our ability to hold on to the ball will be one of the keys to winning this tournament!
Forca!
12/06/2008 16:00
Overall, a very good result, especially when you consider the outcome of the Turkey/Swiss game. We have all but wrapped up first place so Scolari has the luxury of playing a B side next game.
I agree 100% with Orlandomac's squad for the quarters. (I believe this is the squad that I called for prior to the tournament.) I would prefer to see Miguel over Ferreira, Nani over Simao and Meira over Petit.
Some player ratings:
Deco and Ronaldo were outstanding. Perhaps Deco's best game wearing the Portugal jersey. Ronaldo was dynamic, but the beauty for Portugal is that we all know that he can still play alot better. What a talent!
Pepe and Carvalho were solid
Gomes played a "professional" game
(Great work rate)
Bosingwa was good, but needs to be better
Moutinho didn't help or hurt his chances of playing in the quarters
Ricardo was horrible. He made a good save in the 83 minute, but other than that he was a goal waiting to happen. Shoking on crosses against a big Czech team. Scary!
Quaresma. Please get him off the field. I know that he scored a goal, but that was all Ronaldo. I do not have the ability to watch many Porto games, but Quaresma's performances at the international level leave alot to be desired. The guy can't defend. He will not play for a big club that requires defensive responsibiliy. Why would Scolari sub him in the 80th minute when Portugal is trying to hold a one goal lead? He actually looked disinterested in defending.
12/06/2008 15:47
What a Result! The Czech's were a tough side and the team did us all proud! Lady Boy (Nuno Gomes) needs to go for sure, I did not even realise he was playing!! Get rid Scholari! Bring on the Swiss for a kick about and let's all be proud of our team, this time they have passion, skill and emotion!!..let's show Europe we can be feared!! Greece are shit!!!
12/06/2008 14:42
It was a good game yesterday. I especially liked the fact that when the game was tied, Portugal just kept on going at the Czechs -they didn't give up. Petit and Simao didn't have their best games, but will bounce back. I'm not sure of Ricardo - he has to learn to take command of his area. Other than that, Pepe and Carvalho are just superb - what a tandem. I say give some of the other players a chance to play, in order to keep them loose, but keep some of the starting XI as well - just to balance things out.
FORCA PORTUGAL!!!
12/06/2008 13:53
Another great win. sure, it wasnt such a big difference in the teams as the Turkey match but that's because the Czech team is far better.
What made me most happiest is that the Czech team were very aggressive but Portugal fort their part and did not let them be pushed around.
That Koller is a monster! I thought it was hilarious when he sqaured up to Ricardo. It made ricardo look like a midget!!
My ratings:
Ricardo - 7
Ferreira - 7
Pepe - 8.5
Carvalho - 8
Bosingwa - 7.5
Petit - 7
Moutinho - 7.5
Deco - 9
Simao - 7.5
Ronaldo - 8
Gomes - 8
12/06/2008 13:19
I wasn't expecting a 3-1 win.
Im very happy for Portugal.
I think Quaresma should come in and replace Simao.
Simao has failed to do anything good so far this Euro!
He loses the ball way to much and always gets pushed around.
I think Scolari should replace Petit for Veloso as well!
Other then that we played well!
My ratings:
Ricardo 8/10
Bosingwa 7.5/10
Pepe 9/10
Carvalho 8.5/10
Ferreira 7.5/10
Petit 7/10
Moutinho 7.5/10
Simao 7.5/10
Ronaldo 8/10
Deco 9/10
Gomes 8.5/10
Quaresma 8/10
Meira 8/10
Almeida ???
Overall Performance for Portugal!
8.5/10
We played well now its Switzerland i think its 3-0 for Portugal
Forca
12/06/2008 11:50
Serdar, that was a very classy thing to do my friend, it takes a big man to appreciate things especially when they lose or don't go right.
I really enjoy this tournament and the Turks always bring their effort to every match, and as a footballing fan I really appreciate it, makes for some great matches.
Some fans on other sites discounted our win over Turkey, but I by no means have ever. Turkey is a great footballing nation, and it took a perfect game from all our players to win.
It would be great if your team could go on to destroy some teams and prove us right.
Cheers dude good luck in your journey!
12/06/2008 08:00
en büyük TÜRKİYEEE...!!
but portuguise very well team,,,good luck;)
12/06/2008 06:40
I enjoyed this game but not as much as i enjoyed the one against the Turks.Petit and Simão were poor,but even worst was Paulo Ferreira.He actually scared me a few times.If it wasn't for Carvalho and Pepe's support, i dont think we would be smiling now...Deco what can i say that wasn't said yet!He's back to his best.Inspiring!As for Ronaldo the way he gave that goal to Quaresma proved to everyone that he's now the complete player!And i think he's even capable of more...I've always been a huge fan of Cristiano and had some heated debates with some of my british mates, who thought that he was just a diver.So...that's for you guys!!I can see us in the semi finals against Germany and that will be the hardest match for us as they will exploit our weakness at the back until we give in.I hope we can deal with that...
12/06/2008 04:08
everyone's post seems to be right on. We all saw Ferreira's and Petit's defieciencies. We all saw Deco re-establish his mastery on this team. Nuno gomes has found a niche as a pass-first striker, which seems to be working (plus no one sings national anthem like NG!) I expect some lineup chnges on Sunday, but would be surprised if Scolari made wholesale changes. I would expect him to rest Ferreira because he tooks a shot to the head. But I would expect similar lineup with early second half subs.
Also, O-Mac, I have seen what you have seen. Ronaldo is so focused, intense, mature (remember only 23!), selfless, not complaining to refs, not falling every 3 seconds. He is playing with a maturity that he did not show at Man Utd this season. If he can continue this level, not of only skill, but this humility, he will be even more loved, more respected, more legendary.
12/06/2008 02:02
overall, i liked the game today. there were alot of passing and great attacks. needs to shoot more. petit made big misatakes AGAIN. petit needs to be replaced till he learns. simao usually plays well but i never seen him play terribly in my life. i guess he is tired. if players are tired they should admit it and take a break from the competition and give other new players opportunities. next game is there break and relax the starters. let the bench play for once.
viva portugal
12/06/2008 01:02
a while back on this site we were asked how the team would do this summer and I was worried that if they didn't move the ball around up front that it might be a quick tournament. So often in the past there has been so much individual play that the "team" goes nowhere.......this really looks different this time around, goals are coming from nice setups ( both goals on Saturday and Ronaldo's goal today ) and the offence really seams to be playing as a unit.....Deco was awesome in support.... even though we weren't as smooth today as Saturday, if the boys upfront play unselfishly, we should be around awhile......great game Deco, Ronaldo.....solid Pepe, Boswinga, Carvalho.....struggling Petit,Fereira
12/06/2008 00:50
One of the revelations so far is to gain more goals CR has to pass off on the build up.
Bruckner admitted he was keying up on Ronaldo & had as many as 5 defenders queing up to erase him. How do you overcome that? The Opposite Theory, give the ball away!
In qualifying Portugal was guilty of letting the wingers dictate our game our offense suffered with every defender allowed to retreat with a run was made.
The lessons learned against Italy, who we dominated in the first half, & to Greece on set-plays have made an impression on CR.
They played as a TEAM.
This shall make him a legend, easily surpass in goals many(Eusebio), and if he wins trophies the sky is the limit with his talent. At Man U he is assured of hard tackles but will never endure the rage of jealousy that could hamper his career.
As for Portugal we need some changes, my suggestion for the quarters:
Bos
Pepe
Carv
Mig
Meira
Mout
Deco
CR
Nani
Gomes
I would keep the continuity but I would remove those that seriously hamper us.
Gomes is a boo boy but his linkup play, team spirit, & knack for important goals keep him there.
Quotes "He is a very special player & important for us,” Gomes said. “But what makes him so important is his maturity. He realizes he is just one man in a team and that the team comes before everything.”
“Sometimes it is about making a sacrifice for the team,” said Ronaldo. People can say what they like but this is a team game, & I will sacrifice anything for my team.”
11/06/2008 22:30
And now Chelsea announce that Scolari is going to be their manager next season. I hope that the manager, players and most importantly the press agree that this topic should be put to the back of everyone's minds so the team can focus on winning this tournament. Such a great start, keep the eyes on the prize.
11/06/2008 22:02
Thanks Tony
Ricardo -7
Boswiga -6 not great in the first half but played well in the 2nd and offered an attacking threat on the right
Pepe - 6
Carvalho -7
Ferrira -4 always feel that a mistake is gonna happen ....
Petit - 4 see above
Moutinho- 6 not a great game struggled to find any space
Deco -8 Kept passing ,kept looking for an opening.
Simao -5 Failed to get in to the game .
CR -8 Never going to be easy for CR with the attention he gets. Was frustrating in the first half but as Portugal improved so did he . Great goal. I feel we are only seeing 60-70% of CR, the best is to come
Nuno Gomes -7
11/06/2008 21:11
Peter, good insights I agree 100%. I hope Meira replaces Petit before its too late and Paul Ferreira on the left side, you can attribute some of his poor performance for being out of position but I solely believe its because he is not a strong player. I have filled pages of comments on this site about his poor tackling, nervous play, and unsettling effect on the defense. Ribeiro is not the asnwer but if we can get Miguel back in form by playing the left side on Sunday, we maybe able to make a change. The combo of Petit and Ferreira are a lethal dose for defeat and humiliation. I'll take one off the line up at this time but 2 would be better.
We have time to correct this and get better. If we play the German, these players will be exposed.
11/06/2008 20:51
Not a great performance in the first half but let's give credit to the Czech's who gave us more than a few headaches tactically. The team improved in the 2nd half and we got the win we needed and just about deserved .
The game proved that Petit is not the answer as the DM against the top teams , he needs to be dropped before he costs us a game . Meira would be my choice as Velso isn't ready yet for the team.
Teams have figured out the best way to attack us is down our left hand side . PF is not a natural leftback and the if CR plays on the left he is often left exposed which pushes the covering centreback out of postion. We've been lucky that he's not been up against a proper winger or Ricardo would have been tested more often in terms of crosses.
Hopefully he'll rest a few players for the swiss match and then on to the quarters !!!
A few lucky omens for us to cling on to in the next few weeks . In 2002 the world cup was hosted by 2 countries . Brazil faced Turkey in the opening match of the tournament. and of course both teams had a player called Ronaldo !!!
Big Phil has just been announced as the new Chelsea manager , let's hope like Mourinho he joins them as winner
Forca !
11/06/2008 20:23
Honest ratings-
Ricardo- 7: Needs to stop flapping at the ball on crosses but always has great reflexes on shots.
Bosingwa- 7: Good thing he's super fast because he lost the ball a couple times early but seems to defend fairly well. Also got a yellow card because he lost the ball.
Carvalho- 8: Always solid on defense
Pepe- 9: Same as Carvalho but also has attacking prowess
Ferreira- 4: Either needs to step up or step off, he's terrible. Makes the other defenders compensate for him.
Petit- 5: Terrible game. I dont know what he was thinking shooting from 40 yards out and also defensively he didnt do anything.
Deco- 9: Best I'e seen Deco play in a really long time i was happy with his performance. Looks like all that rest from injuries was a good thing lol.
Moutinho- 6: Barely saw him during the game. Really didn't do anything
Ronaldo- 10: Greatness...
Simao- 5: Did nothing but shoot the ball against the wall on his free kick and lose the ball countless times.
Nuno Gomes- 8: Always seems to impress when he plays for Portugal. Not exactly playing like a striker...and i kinda like it.
Hugo Almeida- ?: Can't really give him a score didn't do a lot.
Quaresma- 7: Besides the goal not much in the game.
Meira- 7: Played solid when he got in.
11/06/2008 20:10
Great game today... i would say the two best players on the pitch were ronaldo and deco. I thought the defense looked a little shaky due to ferreira. Evrything came from the left side. Soemthing must be done, but overall great game
11/06/2008 19:35
Tony we share allot of the same views on the game, sometimes I don't comment because you've already said it for me.
Dual exact sentiments from me, I have never seen Deco be so masterful he looks to be peaking at the right time!!
There were too many guys trying too much today & were caught out of position. The pressure was getting to them, fortunately I can't believe I am saying this but all full dues to him, Ronaldo kept them strong, he has matured into a wonder in the last few months (he is ONLY 23).
I have been very hard on him in the past because this is what I envisaged in him, he is the greatest player on the planet but he has to be able to adapt to the teams he plays against today against one of the greatest tactical teams he floored them!
1 Gl 2 AS he deserves the highest praise because the Czech's made it very hard on him. This is the sort of play that will make him a legend!
I think Scolari dropped the ball today, although I would even suggest his starting lineup.
A technical coach like Bruckner adapted to Portugal very well, but in hindsight we could have used Meira & Almeida sooner if not to start.
Scolari has done well, but he has to adapt quicker if we are to win.
We have a bench like no other in the tournament and we need to use it depending on the opposition **screw** loyalty, best squad for the best opposition.
Now that you have them playing like a TEAM time to manage them against your opposition. We win with the right mindset & the right scheme.
11/06/2008 19:20
Excellent games for Pepe, Ronaldo, Deco, Boswinga and Carvalho. Petit and Simao looked horrible. And when is Big Phil going to bitch-slap Simao for continuously taking free kicks away from CR7??
Forca Portugal !!
Rest Carvalho, CR7, Pepe and Boswinga next game and let the kids take over.
11/06/2008 19:15
Orlandomac, very well stated my friend and I agree with your perspective and points on the game.
Scolari can play some B team players in the next game and I hope he does it with consideration to replace the inept Petit (see my comments at halftime). His foolish play will cost us at some point. Given our weakness in the air and his incesstant stupid fouls resulting in restarts we are in trouble.
I'd like to see Miguel play on the left over Ferreria another player who will cost us at some point.
If we get the Germans down the road, we are in big trouble against the mental and physical powers and efficiency they pose.
This team can be good for another 8-10 years and I'll celebrate once Ferreria and Petit retire from intl futebol.
We still have time to make adjustments and improve!
11/06/2008 19:12
Deco, maybe his best game ever for Portugal. 10
Petit, weren't you hoping he was really injured? He's an embarrassment. Great long shot!LOL. 2
Ferreira, uggghhh...2
Simao, 4
I thought it was great that Big Phil took Simao out right after he insisted that he get to take the DK. Horrible.
11/06/2008 18:53
I forgot Gomes who was an 8 for his passes & his defensive plays, and it wasn't his fault they were owned in the first half.
For the next game I would rest Ronaldo, Deco, Carvalho, Pepe, and try out our winning B Side.
I would start
Almeida
Quaresma
Nani
Moutinho
Meireles
Petit (in the hopes that he gets an injury)
Ribeiro
Alves
Meira
Miguel
I still think that B Side could win games for us.. as long as they continue to play as a unit and forgo the selfish tactics.
11/06/2008 18:47
Sure we dominated possession but it was scary.
Many players came down to earth, & Scolari was slow to react, onlt bringing in the aerial protectio of Meira & Almeida late.
Here are my game ratings:
Ricardo 8
Boswingwa 7.5
Carvalho 8
Pepe 9.5
Ferriera 5
Petit 5
Moutinho 7.5
Deco 10
Ronaldo 9.5
Simao 7
Meira 9
Almeida 8
Quaresma 7.5
Like I said tacticaly the Czech's tore us up especially in the first half.
Sure we dominated ball possession but every time the Czech's were in range they dominated, in the second half they tired.
Deco was on fire, he was phenomenal today where as many of his team were pathetic.The only 3 starters that played great were Deco,Pepe,& Ronaldo all the rest were trying too hard or inept to say the least.
Bos on defence was alright but his crosses were brutal, Simao was a joke, Ferreira was getting killed, Petit was at fault for the goal & countless errors, it almost unsettled the team but Ronaldo continued his maturity & team play in the face of triple marking, and like I mentioned before, he would have to switch from provider to getting on the end of balls & he did that masterfully today, scoring the winner & laying off to Quar who looked inept in protecting the lead. Q only dances when we need direct play & goes direct when we need him to dance.
Ronaldo has reached maturity thanks to Ferguson & it was in evidence today, he could've got frustrated but he didn't, he got in position.
The bonus is we have 10 to 13 yrs more.
11/06/2008 18:43
Agree, Deco played a great game today. I was down on him last game, but he more that responded well. So far 2 of 4 substitutions by Scolari have scored goals. We're also becoming quite the 2nd half team (4 goals in 2 games.) Everything is rolling along. Unbelievable! We get to enjoy Sunday's game with no pressure and could even rest our key players in the 2nd half and get much deserved playing time for our bench players. Dont expect a different starting 11, though. Scolari doesnt want them to lose momentum.
11/06/2008 18:31
LMAO I told my buddy that it would be 2-1 Portugal and that CR would score. I also told him that if Q played, he would score for sure! Voila!!!
ALL THE WAY.
LOVE
11/06/2008 18:30
Excellent game today. We can relax and watch Sunday's game. Deco was big today. Portugal should sit Nuno this next game. See what the youngsters can do.
11/06/2008 16:53
Czech Replubic with Baros has come out more aggressive and open than I would have thought.
Our weaknesses manifest in the first half: Crosses on goal and Petit.
1) Crosses off dead ball situations have contributed to most of the goals gives up. We got bit by the corner.
2) Petit who I have lamented about forever, once again shows why he is incompetent. First, his clearance lead to the corner kick. There was no need to give up a corner, he could have cleared in for a throw in. He knows that corners will kill us and he does the foolish thing.
Second, Petit got beat by his man on the corner for the goal. Third, Petit is taking shots from distance that have no chance and giving up possession.
Our worst fears bit us in the first half. We can still win this game and should.
11/06/2008 15:53
I'm all dressed head to toe Portuguese hard hat, bandana, shirt and shorts with my Portugal Cape...
The house is full..
Forca Portugal!
11/06/2008 15:35
I say the game will end in a 2-0 win over the czech... i see Ronaldo &simao scoring for us 2day... & Quaresma (Cigano, The Mustang, Happy Potter)ect ect will make his fist apperance as well.
11/06/2008 11:37
It is going to be difficult today and I dont think there will be many goals. I'm saying 1-0 to our rapazes, with Gomes finally getting lucky! Força Portugal!!!
11/06/2008 10:38
It's a tough one today, that is for sure! Turkey were not what I expected although, the Equipa das Quinas did us proud on Saturday!! I was a great display and we have a fine team, if it's not broke, don't fix it Scholari! Forca os Vermelhos e Verdes!!! I love my country and I'm dead proud!!
10/06/2008 22:48
I think Portugal will grind out a result against the Czechs. I don't think the Czechs are all that dynamic as they play a more direct style of football. They did struggle against Switzerland. We all know Portugal did well in their first match, but I don't think Scoalri should tinker too much with the team. The team is saying the right things also by not getting excessively confident and I think they'll play the same with minor adjustments, rightfully so, as the Czechs are differnt than Turkey. I'll say 1-0 Portugal.
FORCA PORTUGAL!!!!!!
10/06/2008 01:35
Good comments! I'll continue to be cautously optimistic but I think if Portugal continues to improve and play Portuguese soccer, we'll beat the Czech Republic 2-0.
Euro 1996 thougth us what the Czech Republic can do and no matter who wears the uniform they are very dangerous and it only takes one chance. They will try to sit back and make this a France-Romania game.
We must be clinical in our finishing as our foe has one of the best goalies in the world.
We must be careful and not have lapses on defense and watch for those crosses. Ricardo did better last game but we'll be tested.
I would not make any changes except if I could I'd take Paulo Ferreria off and put Miguel. The sight of Paulo F on the field regardless of position makes me nervous as he is plays nervous and unsettles the defense. Miguel being out of form probably cost him the opportunity to start on the left but don't be surprised if Scolari makes a change in the tournament. The profile on Paulo F is that he is not dynamic but steady.
Glad to see Nuno Gomes get some praise for his contribution. I've been a Gomes basher but I must give him his due but WE NEED HIM TO BE CLINICAL ON WEDNESDAY! He has been the best Portugal striker in the last 8 years based on his big goals in important games.
If we can win group A, we will likely get Croatia or Poland in the final 8. A good scenario!
09/06/2008 22:54
I can't wait to see the result vs Czech Republic i no we will win!
I wouldn't change anything to the starting line up.
If there was one thing i had to change it would be Paulo Ferreira.
I would rather put Miguel or Ribeiro in that position.
I think it will end up being 2-0 Portugal again ,are defence and Keeper are solid right now but Ricardo rarely had a threat vs Turkey! I still believe in him to do well and to make the crucial save!
2-0 Portugal!
Forca Seleccao!!!
09/06/2008 18:05
Thank you Fernando I really do appreciate that, as I do respect your comments very much.
We are all united here by our passion for our Team.
We each take our own educated opinions and try to share them with others, in the hopes that our plans could be adopted.
To be honest with you my push for a different Coach was all based on the lack of cohesion in the past. I didn't think Scolari could get these players to play like a TEAM especially not with the qualification they just came thru, to his credit he has and if he can maintain that as the pressure mounts it not only bodes well for this tournament but for those beyond as well, because all the best teams play as a unit.
As for Deco I personally don't hate him, but he has had a sub-par season, & for me he was the worst player on the field the other day, but I still rated him an 8 overall which goes to show you how well I thought the TEAM played, & like I stated in the other post, I would make no substitutions to the roster that won the other day, even tho I have preferences that I would like to see on the field. If it ain't broken, then no need to fix it!
In the end, I feel the unity that we saw the other day could lead us a long way, but there is much work to be done still.
Also for those that grumble about Nuno Gomes, he is not my first choice either, but he has 28 goals in 69 games most of those coming off the bench, which leads the team. I think some respect is in order considering he has scored some timely goals.
09/06/2008 16:58
Our midfield dominance will frustrate the czech's and they'll be defending the whole game. Same score line as the first game 2-0 Portugal!
09/06/2008 16:19
Orlando,
I give you credit for being big enough to recognize that Scolari had a good game vs. Turkey.
I agree with many of your observations. I also thought that Ronaldo showed great maturity in the game vs Turkey. He was, for the most part, unselfish and did not have to be the center of attention. It was obvious that "team" came first for Ronaldo in this game. Along the same line, a point of interest for me was the manner in which the starting players, subs and coaching staff celebrated the goals and victory. These guys want to win and they appear to be on the same page. That type of cohesion can go a long way.
Can't wait for the next match!
09/06/2008 15:32
This will be a very tough game. The Czech's didn't look very impressive in their first game, but you have to take that with a grain of salt. Many teams start slow and peak during the later rounds (ie Port.) The Czech's know how to get results. They should be given the utmost respect. Port. should win, but a draw wouldn't be the end of the world.
Scolari should start a very similar team. My thoughts on a few players:
Obviously Pepe and Carvalho were outstanding
Bosingwa, Moutinho, and even Petit were very good.
Ricardo was solid on most crosses, but I have to agree with that he scared the hell out of me when he volleyed that pass-back fom Ferriera
Ferriera was a nightmare. I hope I am wrong, but this guy is going to cost us. You can only hide his shortcomings as a left-back for so long. In a major tournament he will eventually be exposed.
Gomes: He was very good. Folks, can we realistically expect much more from our strikers. He hit the bar twice and that ball to release Pepe was sublime. Obviously. I want our strikes to score, but Gomes showed real quality on Saturday.
Deco played very well. I know the Deco haters are going to disagree because often turns the ball over, but he gives Portugal an extra dimension. His ability to release a penetrating ball is still world class. Also, something that is rarely mentioned about him is his ability to anticipate a foul and cut in front of his marker and win free kicks in dangerous positions.
Forca!
09/06/2008 14:10
I see this one as being a difficult game on both sides. I think that we would all agree player talent is not our problem,portugal needs to unight more play there game as a unit.In doing so we will beat the czech-rep and go far.I wish them all the luck. Forca Portugal!!!!
09/06/2008 13:55
3-2 Portugal on Wednesday. The Czech's will certainly be difficult and Portugal must bring their best game on the world stage that day. A "B" grade for the last game.
09/06/2008 12:40
Cheers David it is good to hear. The English & Portuguese have a distinct relationship that dates back to fighting the French & Spanish, glad to hear you're still on on side. I too am an English fan & can't wait for the next WC hopefully my two teams won't face each other again.
Everyone is discounting the Czech's but they make habits out of getting results through hard work, and will present more of an aerial attack then Turkey provided.
It will take the same patient TEAM game as evidenced against Turkey to break them down. A mixture of cool and calm ball control, with some early balls to stretch the Defense.
I see Cristiano getting on the scoreboard in this game and Portugal winning 1-0.
Forca Portugal
09/06/2008 12:29
Take Ferreira out and put either Ribeiro or Miguel at left-back. Also change Petit for Raul Meireles and Nuno Gomes for Hugo Almeida. Forca Portugal!
09/06/2008 11:07
Based on the first matches I'd say Portugal to win quite easily. You've got a wonderful style of play and lots of support from neutrals here in England. Good luck!