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Thursday, 26 June 2014 03:02 |
Last Chance Saloon
Portugal v. Ghana Match Preview
The Seleção go into their final group stage as heavy underdogs even though the official FIFA rankings might suggest otherwise. Nathan Motz is once again on hand to set the stage for Portugal's win-big-or-go-home match against Ghana.
I always support the Seleção with a positive attitude, sometimes to a fault apparently. But even I cannot ignore the distinct likelihood that tomorrow will see the end of Portugal's world cup run, and with it the end of the line for many of this generation of Portuguese talent. It may also be Paulo Bento's last match as manager despite rumors to the contrary.
A dire situation
Indeed, Portugal's world cup hopes dangle by a thread. The only real hope of progression is for Germany to beat the USA by several goals combined with a multiple goal victory over Ghana. Currently, Portugal's goal differential is -4 while the USA's is +1. This five goal deficit must be addressed. Furthermore, if the teams finish with equal goal differential, the tiebreaker is total goal's scored. The USA has scored two goals more than Portugal and thus lead in that category as well.
Suffice it to say, the Seleção need something of a miracle, and given their personnel situation, it is not likely to happen. Cristiano Ronaldo has labored through two matches with very little to show for his efforts save for the tremendous cross that he placed on Varela's forehead at the very end of the match against the United States. Service out of the midfield has been extremely poor through the first two matches, with Moutinho in particular looking very much unlike the player that teed up Ronaldo several times against the Swedes in the world cup playoffs.
Furthermore, Portugal's defense has shown no evidence through its first two matches that it can handle the speed, vigor, and artistry of Ghana's attack. The Black Stars ran the Germans ragged in their second match and will no doubt fancy their own chances of progression given that their goal differential is only -1 at the moment. Pepe's return to the starting eleven will do little to dissuade Ghana, especially since it is Portugal's fullbacks that are most vulnerable. In truth, this tournament came a little too early for Andre Almeida, and perhaps a little too late for Joao Pereira.
The USA has shown that its defense can be exploited, and with Germany only on 4 pts after their draw against Ghana, it is possible that Joachim Low's men will fiercely press the issue with the Americans. Others have suggested that both the USA and Germany will play much more cautiously as a loss would put both teams in at least some danger of elimination. But if there is any team capable of thrashing the Americans, it is Germany, and that has to be some cause for optimism.
Additionally, Portugal will certainly not face a Ghana team that wants to park the bus. There will be space in this game to operate, and Portugal's midfielders will be called upon to do a much better job of controlling the tempo of this match. Out wide, Ghana has talent and speed on the wings. It will be crucial for Portugal's wingers to create problems everytime the Ghanain fullbacks stray too far from the backline.
PortuGOAL prediction
I always like Portugal's chances against an open, adventurous unit, and Ghana are nothing if not that. The first goal is once again crucial. Ghana will probably come raging out of the blocks so if the Seleção can maintain their composure and get their counterattacking game working, we may have a chance to win this match. Fans of the Seleção will likely be treated to an open game with plenty of attacking football, but Portugal have left themselves with just too much to do. I see this game playing out 3-2 to Portugal or perhaps a 2-2 draw, but it won't be enough to resurrect Portugal this time.
Força Seleção.
by Nathan Motz
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No, I'm not a bandwagon jumper, before you yokels get all carried away. Just a fella looking for my propers...
Proud to see all the Benfica players (mostly former players, unfortunately...) playing well.
Bring on the preseason!!
To many guys for one person to carry.
Eder = conpletely useless and hopeless
Veloso = can't cross a ball for his life
Nani = invisible man
Bento = mule or jackass --- your pick
I am forgetting anyone?
Fans who believed we would advance today = on drugs
If Bruma, Carlos Mane, Illori, and Ivan Cavaliero aren't in the squad in the qualifier against Albania in September, then Bento needs to be impeached. (if he hasn't already been fired)
Also, I think we all need to accept that Eder sucks. If he has some great clubs seasons then fine, but his first touch in this game cost as a few very good attacks. Either give Cavaliero and Nelson a fair shot at the spot, or move CR7 to striker since we have Bruma and Mane coming on the wings.
Eder, Postiga, and Hugo Almeida should never start for this team in a competitive match again unless there is a ridiculous amount of injuries forcing them to start. They suck.
Veloso and Perreira are also walking liabilities.
Not too impressed with Amorim either. Missed a precious chance.
What has instead happened is nothing short of shambolic. Bento started the EXACT SAME 11 in game 1 that he used for all of Euro 2012. This is unacceptable. Miguel Veloso, Nani and Hugo Almeida were off form and should not automatically walk onto the team.
Furthermore, he developed no new players. Carvalho burst out of nowhere thanks to Sporting and his own work ethic. Even then, Bento is too thick to utilize this quality player. Eder is still somehow 3rd string to Postiga and Hugo.
I cannot stand the German team, but I respect the hell out of Joachim Low because he is more than just a "selector" of the team. He was directly involved in the development of guys like Mueller, Ozil, Khedira, Neuer, Hummels and others.
He gives his team the confidence and playing time necessary to make serious impacts. The Germans are always favourites despite playing teams with better flair and on the ball technique.
Paulo Bento is the opposite. He is regressive, conservative, uninventive and frankly too unintelligent for the job. If he had any dignity or shame, he would resign at the end of this game. But even that eludes him, so the odds are we are stuck with this dud for another 2 years.
Cheers
If we beat Ghana, it will be down to their recent fall-out over bonus payments and player suspensions. There is no chance on earth that Portugal can swing that six goal difference that is required (five goals wont do).
While Germany might beat the USA by a couple of goals, I can't see Portugal putting four (or more) past Ghana without any reply.
I just hope that Portugal can sign-off with a win before they pack their bags.
Portugal 3 - 0 Ghana
Please make this a reality so that we get to the second round.
They have everything still to play for. They must keep there heads up high and leave everything on the field. Ghana's team seems to be in shambles after 2 players were sent home. There's still hope... Forca!
Another thing to consider for those who believe in miracles (such as myself), is that Ghana is in a bit of disarray with Kevin Prince Boateng out now too along with Muntari. After with their FA over their compensation, now these two are out as well for causing trouble in the Ghana camp. Muntari was already out on two yellows, but got himself into something extra and they both have been sacked by their FA. Boateng hasn't had a huge impact in Brasil, but Muntari is a decent player, so let's see what comes of their absence.
It's a tall order, but I think if we can get up 1 or two early, who knows what could happen after that. It's funny here that the US media is turning yellow at the sight of Germany, praying for a draw or that they don't get beat too badly. It's pathetic. But really, I don't see why Germany would risk the possibility of not getting top spot in the group. They're only on four points, so I think they will come and for the W. For Portugal- Ghana, I think Pepe will play with the vigor of two centre backs, but ah hell… Like I keep saying I don't care much about the defence if William does not play. I also am thinking that Ruben A needs to start or get into this game over Meireles or Almeida. If we don't control the ball and let Ghana run us ragged which is possible, we will have no chance. Coach needs to come off the mijão mentality and have the Selecção ready to give a greater effort than the last two matches. Mentality starts with him, and he should be motivating his men, I don't want to hear anything about us being an average team, as honest an assessment as that is by Cris. I'm just hoping above all else that we play like a team that loves its country. Just make themselves, their families, and their paisanos/ fans proud. As Armas! Força Das Quinas.
Looking forward to everyone else's thoughts and comments.
M.
And it starts with CR7. He's our talisman; he's our once-in-a-generation superstar. If he's going to cement his reputation as a big-time player, this is it. He did it vs. Sweden in the 2-game playoff last November, and he needs to do it again today. Otherwise, it's clear he's just a very good player who plays really well with a team loaded with very good players (ie, Real Madrid).
He needs to do what Maradona did in Mexico '86. He took an ordinary Argentina lineup and carried the team on his shoulders to the World Cup title.
That's my hope: that CR7 elevates his game to the Maradona level.
What nags at me is that so far CR7 has been subdued compared to other stars, especially that #10 for Argentina. Messi scored in the first game, got the winner in the second and in a nothing game vs. Nigeria scored twice in the first half. That's pretty impressive, I must admit.
Ronaldo? An exquisite right-wing cross for a Varela goal in the 93rd minute vs. USA is hardly going to gloss his resume.
What also nags at me is the lack of firepower from the Selecção das Quinas at recent World Cups.
Take a look at our goal-scoring record recently:
Germany 2006:
Quarter-final vs. England, 0-0 (advanced 3-1on penalty kicks)
Semifinal vs. France, lost 1-0
Third-place vs. Germany, lost 3-1
South Africa 2010:
Game 1 vs. Ivory Coast, 0-0
Game 2 vs. North Korea, 7-0 win
Game 3 vs. Brazil, 0-0
Round of 16 vs. Spain, lost 1-0
Brazil 2014:
Game 1 vs. Germany, lost 4-0
Game 2 vs USA, 2-2
So, in the last 9 World Cup matches, Portugal has failed to score in 6 of them.
Those performances came with a backbone of Figo and Deco in the lineup (2006) and Deco and a mature CR7 (2010).
All in all, the omens don't look promising for a rout of Ghana. Still, I'm going to keep faith. . .as misplaced as it might be.
Forca Portugal!
Forca
Hopefully pride will come into play and we're able to put a decent match together. I don't expect many changes in tactics and formation with player changes coming due to injuries instead of current form.
I believe that Ghana sent home Prince and Muntari for disciplinary reasons. Hopefully that distabilizes the squad further instead of galvanizing it. If we can net an early first goal, it may demoralize them further and lead to a route.
For those complaining about the ESPN coverage being to pro US, what did you expect. It's US coverage of the World Cup. In Portugal, isn't the coverage pro Portugal? It feels worse due too being in the same group, but overall the coverage has been very good. Lexi is always out there with his comments, but he's right some of the time. By the way, most American fans hate him. Martinez has been great, and Ballack is actually very good. Very dry but on the money and straight forward with his comments. The Last Call segment has been a nice feature.
Unfortunately a lot of hoping along with ifs for this match. Let's put on a good showing and get the win.
Eu So Portugues
Eu So Campeao
If Ronaldo want's to be considered one of the greats he needs to put them team on his back and not call them average.
We'll see if we can make up the difference.
A win would be very lucky. Ghana certainly look far more cohesive than Portugal do.
This WC has been a calamity and has really shown a lack of quality on the pitch, and on the bench.
Once CR retires in a few years, unless some real world-class players start to come up through the ranks, Portugal will be in the footballing doldrums for many years to come.
Yep you pretty much said it all unfortunately nothing short of a miracle that will see portugal get through . I hope we win and that Ronaldo gets a couple to finish with some sort of reward.
Now FPF needs to get a new coach force some obvious retirements and bring some new talent so we can seriously challenge again.
Portugal will win by at least a two goal margin.
Of that much I am sure. Ronaldo WILL step up... he knows this well might be his last World Cup game. I am just worried about the outcome of the Germany-USA game. Let's just hope that the teams that progress through to the round of 16 will do so on merit and fairplay.
The squad has been selected, the points have been dropped and we have the injuries we do... What Now?
Do we try the same formula and get our front teeth knocked out by a very hungry and capable Ghana outfit?
I would make some drastic changes to the formation, we are anyway on our last breath...
I would go for a 3-5-2 formation ( and yes, I know Bento has no clue what that is) and here is why...
Fact 1: Ronaldo is injured and cannot contribute to defence on the left. Playing just behind the striker removes this responsibility and allows him to roam in the box.
Fact 2: Nani can't track back
Fact 3: Our 2 CB's can't handle the heat, especially if the fullbacks are pushing forward, and additional CB would add some steel.
Fact 4: We are being bossed in midfield and need some more bodies here.
Proposed lineup....
Beto
Bruno Alves Pepe Costa(Neto)
JP Carvalho Veloso
Moutinho Meireles
Ronaldo
Eder
Hell, that's not great...but probably the best of what we have...
If we start the Ghana game with a 4-3-3 we will be slaughtered by their pace and muscle...3-0 minimum...
Cristiano will have one more WC, if we make it next, and who will carry us after that? Who?
As long as Bento is in charge, I can expect to see players like Helder Postiga, Hugo Almeida, Joao Pereira, Bruno Alves, Nani, Meireles, Veloso, etc.. leading the roles toward France 2016. Which is not a good thing.
Our side is washed up. The oldest we have had in a LONG time. We need to give younger players a go, and even experiment without Ronaldo a bit in the future.. as we have world-class wingers in: Bruma, Mane, Rafa, and so on, looking extremely promising.
We need a complete overhaul in our striker area.
We need a huge overhaul in our defensive area... Pepe and Alves are aging,(and Pepe is looking shaky...)
We need a change in the wing. (Nani must go... sorry).
We need a change. Out with the old, in with the new.
Some teams rebuild and it takes time to get going.. so keep players like Ronaldo (of course), Moutinho, Coentrao, and so on, but get rid of the old like Meireles, Alves, Almeida, Postiga, etc... We NEED a change, or this squad will NOT make the next major tournament.
We have a large problem with the RB spot. Bento will not give Cedric a chance.
CB's is tough. We need Paulo Oliveira and Miguel Rodrigues to get some time together as partners.
We MUST give our exciting young wingers a chance.
Andre Gomes is a solid classy CM that can be used with Moutinho and William.
Gks... Anthony Lopes, only young bright keeper in my opinion... Patricio was my choice, no longer.
Just my 4 cents.
Of course it isn't the one we adore and grew up with.. Portugal had a horrendous start and too bad they couldn't pull through it.
It's sad because we have a great fan base and this team has brought us so much joy, happiness, and a lot of great memories through-out the years.
If there's one thing I could ask for no matter who's on the field is just play with heart, embrace the moment and show love for the jersey.
Last match.. the team looked tired, lazy, and gave half-assed efforts. That's not Portugal, never was. It's a privilege to represent. Players like Figo and Nuno Gomes knew that and would die for the shirt.
I appreciate veterans like Postiga (being around 10+ years) and others who've had their moments, having generated smiles at previous tournaments.
Only the coach is to blame for taking these guys to Brazil when they are clearly past it but they're still ours so we can only support and wish for the best.
This shall be a "farewell" match for many.. make it a memorable one.
Bloomberg Business Radio predicts the US has a 73% to advance, which translates to where I see things, it equates to a 10% for Portugal to advance.
I feel very sorry for the great fans which support this team The performance is the federation's, players' and coaches problem to deal with and live with as professionals. We will go back to our happy and wonderful lives, wait for another 2 years for Euro 2016 and hope for a refreshed team.
I have stated this is the worse Portugal team in 20 years, I was very surprised by the 2012 Euro finish and it gave hope for 2014. It reality, when you analyze the team most of the players had peaked in 2012 and were in decline. The midfield has declined at least 25% without William in the line up. The backline is fragile, there are holes for a fast team to run through between the backline and midfield.
Ghana will come out attacking, we are not capable of matching their speed and physical play, we will need tight ball control which has been missing from this team and some Ghana mistakes to win this game, it will be difficult to get the goal difference we need given the defense is out of sorts but we still have a 10% chance and why we play the game.
In the end, I can count on a proud team playing hard with heart which I do not question. Their is commitment, it is the talent level and form of the players that matter at this point and the real issue. We do not have enough old players or usable young players in form to compete to win WC that is the issue. I do expect a good effort and the players will have to live with this World Cup on their resume.
Enjoy the game and we'll all come back with smiles no matter the outcome. Cheers!
Unless Bento has packed Antunes in his suitcase, starts William Carvalho, and the rest of our players play a PERFECT game. We have no chance. Even then, we would still rely on the Germany result.
I think Amorim, who has never played leftback before, is actually are only hope, as he's always been tactically solid.
I do think this will be our best performance, but either way, Portugal is in need of a new manager to revolutionize the team.
Picking people like Hugo Almeida and Postega and not talent like William Cavalho drives us all crazy because it is senseless. Perhaps we are wrong and it is not just stubbornness but other motivation is at play.
Whatever happens, we must move on. David Moyes please.