Storyline: When compared traditional European powers, Portugal had a comparatively easy draw in this tournament And the team didn’t play spectacularly in the Group Stage. But with a host of young, star players, Portugal is here to stay. Written by Prateek Kansal, Delhi.
Courtesy: thefreebetguide.com
The Euro semi-final game between Wales and Portugal is scheduled for today. In this column I’ll spotlight the wonderfully talented Portuguese team, a team that’s primed to enter the Euro finals.
Portugal has the best player in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo. The supporting cast, often questioned in the past, has played far better than most people thought. Luis Nani had moments of brilliance against Hungary. And the midfield is one of the best in the world. Any team that has the likes of Joao Mario, Quaresma, Moutinho, Renato Sanches, and William Cavalho is a force to be reckoned with.
Joao Mario, in particular, has been superb throughout as have Moutinho, Carvalho, and Andre Gomes. Carvalho has been solid in his role has defensive midfielder, which has allowed more space for the more attack-minded Mario and Gomes.
Joao Mourinho (photo, hitc.com)
The ever-reliable and exquisitely talented Joao Moutinho has again played his part to perfection by creating chances, swinging in perfect crosses, and keeping the ball. Ricardo Quaresma has been coming off the bench, but is still delivering solid performances.
The standout from midfield is the new Bayern Munich signing, Renato Sanches. He’s so composed and has such amazing vision that even Ronaldo seems at a loss sometimes. In Sanches I see a player who can dominate a game. Always asking for the ball and assured in possession, he can dribble, pass, and shoot.
The defense is solid, but has looked shaky, seemingly against the wall the whole tournament. Pepe and Ricardo Carvalho have been magnificent in the center with Eliseu and Vieirinha providing good width. Rui Patricio may not be the best goal keeper in the world but, with a solid defense in front of him, he has the ability to keep a clean sheet provided there aren’t wicked deflections.
Portugal had a comparatively easy draw in this tournament when compared with France, Germany, and Italy. And the team didn’t play spectacularly in the Group Stage, largely because of missed penalties, deflected shots, and narrow misses. But with a host of star players–most of them very young still and playing in their first major tournament–I think Portugal is here to stay.
