king1319Portugal's 11 man for man, has enough to trouble spain, what their midfield lacks in quality, they make up for in energy , their natural shape matches well with spain's natural shape. Although spain has an advantage in both zones between defence and midfield. In theory Veloso should only have Xavi to worry about but Inesta and Silva can overload him, further up the pitch Moutinho and Meireles have to be able to occupy Busquets and Alonso or else they will be free to double up on Nani and especially Ronaldo. If Portugal are brave in pushing foward, they can get somthing out of the game, Provided the back door is closed.

24.06.2012

JimmyGuitarist
I'm expecting this. I can't see Portugal taking the game to Spain. It'll be a typical situation for Spain. Portugal will be more of a danger on the counterattack to what most of Spain's opponents have been so far with Ronaldo & Nani.
I think Spain will win 1-0.

26.06.2012

armanhmm looks interesting but i dont think it will be that easy for portugal to break through spanish defence ! even though they r without puyol!

27.06.2012

armanhmm looks interesting but i dont think it will be that easy for portugal to break through spanish defence ! even though they r without puyol!

27.06.2012

king1319Well i was right that portugal would take the game to spain and press them, I think the demise of the spanish/barca dominance will be teams that are athletic enough to press them (ableit without much success in keeping the ball).

Its debatable weather a highline is detremental, I think pressing high up the picth is a must. you can do it the Real Madrid way, with just your attacking players or the spain/barca way, with everyone.

The spain/barca way can leave you vulnreble to counters, but it gives you a better grip of possession, while the RM way is the opposite. Either way i think teams have to be able to play with alot more imagination, than just defend in numbers and hoof it up and hope for the best

31.07.2012