bomma Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 vs Denmark look set to call up Michael Silberauer to man-mark Cristiano Ronaldo, as he did during the Danes home qualifying win over Portugal. Left-back Simon Poulsen is expected to make way in a formation reshuffle. Portugal head coach Paolo Bento could replace the misfiring Helder Postiga with either Hugo Almeida, who has recovered from flu, or hand 20-year-old Nelson Oliveira his first start. Winger Ricardo Quaresma has overcome a leg muscle strain and could feature. Just what you don't need when down on your luck and desperate for a win is a match against your bogey team, and that's exactly what Portugal face when they take on a Denmark; a side who finished ahead of them in qualifying for both Euro 2012 and the 2010 World Cup. If that run continues in Lviv, then Cristiano Ronaldo and co might just find themselves on a flight home come the weekend. Preview This year has not been kind for the Portuguese so far with no wins and just one goal from four matches - not the desired form to be in during a major championship year. Paulo Bento's men did hit the post twice against Germany last weekend as they chased the game but the failure to take those chances will do little to boost what is perceived as brittle confidence, especially without a recognised playmaker through the middle. The Portuguese reportedly dedicated a training session earlier this week to target practice but will that have the desired effect? Nicklas Bendtner and Michael Krohn-Dehli, the Danish hero from their surprise win over the Netherlands at the weekend, both have previous against Portugal, each scoring in the Danes' 2-1 qualifying win in Copenhagen last October that condemned Portugal to a play-off to reach the finals. That night the host's game plan - shutting Cristiano Ronaldo out - succeeded and they will be looking to do exactly the same again in Lviv. The Danes, written off by most before a ball was kicked in the group, demonstrated last Saturday they thrive when given the little guy status. Goalkeeper Stephan Andersen, who excelled against the Dutch revealed: "We still look at ourselves as underdogs… that's what we'll be in the next two matches." Victory for Morten Olsen's men would really put the cat amongst the pigeons in the so-called Group of Death and place the Danes on the verge of qualification for the quarter-finals. Head-to-head Since Morten Olsen's debut as Denmark coach in August 2000, the Danes have won three out of five matches with Portugal and only lost one. Up until that point Portugal had won six of the first seven meetings between the countries. In total Portugal have won seven of 12 total official encounters compared to Denmark's three. Portugal have scored in all of their 12 previous meetings - matches that have averaged 3.5 goals per game. Denmark Denmark have won five successive competitive matches for the first time since Sep2008-Jun 2009. Victory would see them record six straight wins for first time since Jun-Nov 1999, and for a first time under Olsen. The last team to beat Denmark in a competitive match were Portugal, a 3-1 qualifying defeat Lisbon, in October 2010. If selected, Nicklas Bendtner will win his 50th Danish cap. He has scored one goal in each of his four previous matches against Portugal and has never lost a match against them (three wins, one draw). Portugal Portugal have lost their last three European Championship matches - their longest ever run of defeats in the tournament. Paulo Bento's first match as Portugal head coach came in the 3-1 home victory over Denmark in October 2010. Portugal have never failed to advance beyond the group stage before at five previous European Championship finals tournaments where group stages have been contested. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJ Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 Nothing against Denmark, but I hope Portugal win. So IF the NL lose against Germany, we are still in with a fighting chance (DE beating DK and us beating POR in the last match) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leppard Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 I want Holland and Germany to qualify, so I echo DJ's sentiments. Denmark losing would be pretty good for the group. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orzelek Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 Kom så Danmark! Make Ronaldo cry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
noikeee Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 Am feeling suddenly a lot more positive for this match after watching our game with Germany, even if that ended with defeat. And knowing Denmark are our recent bogey team. Because we looked so much more competitive than in recent matches, and Denmark was wildly lucky to win with Eriksen completely out of the game, surely the odds they'll repeat that are low? However we really do need to win this game, a draw would still in theory allow us a mathematical chance of going through but it's too much of a specific scenario (forces us to beat Holland, Germany to beat Denmark, plus us doing better than Denmark in goal difference). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
FaceCrusher Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Calling Denmark our bogey team is simplifying things, because Portugal would have lost to any similar teams and not just Denmark in those matches. Portugal has class to beat Denmark any day, but recently can't play a possession game effectively because of the lack of a creative midfielder that controls play and dictates tempo, the classic "10" like Rui Costa or Deco. So, ends up being too predictable, losing the ball and leaking goals on the counter while not managing to score much. If Moutinho is given a bit more freedom to get forward, tough not really a creative "10" (but can take that role decently at least), and Portugal manages to score half of their chances, they can walk over most teams, including Denmark for sure. Otherwise, will just lose undeservedly like usual. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nørbæk Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 1-2 to Portugal However, it gives me a glimmer of hope that we virtually wiped Portugal off the pitch back in October/November and easily could've scored 5 instead of 2. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Razzler Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Come on, Denmark, love to see them win as it makes that Germany/Dutch game HUGE'er Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baptista_8 Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Come on Portugal, looking forward to this one a lot Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ibra8 Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 I'm confident we will win today, but we cannot waste the few goal opportunities we create. And an early goal would take much of the pressure off the players. abola's front page: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SI Staff Jeroen Thijssen Posted June 13, 2012 SI Staff Share Posted June 13, 2012 A Portugal win would be good for Holland - so I'll go for that one. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niebiescy Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Maybe this can assist with choosing a winner? http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/521382_460721963939302_1455261522_n.jpg Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SI Staff Jeroen Thijssen Posted June 13, 2012 SI Staff Share Posted June 13, 2012 Maybe this can assist with choosing a winner? http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/521382_460721963939302_1455261522_n.jpg The Danish girl actually has a Latin look to her (and enormous boobs by the way) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nørbæk Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Maybe this can assist with choosing a winner? http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/521382_460721963939302_1455261522_n.jpg It's an even contest of ****tyness Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
supersplash Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Holy **** i'm looking forward to this one!! KOM SÅ DANMARK FOR FANDEN! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Philip Rolfe Posted June 13, 2012 Administrators Share Posted June 13, 2012 Andersen, Kjaer, Agger, Poulsen, Jacobsen, Kvist, Eriksen, Zimling, Krohn-Dehli, Rommedahl, Bendtner Rui Patricio, Bruno Alves, Pepe, Fabio Coentrao, Joao Pereira, Miguel Veloso, Joao Moutinho, Raul Meireles, Nani, Cristiano Ronaldo, Helder Postiga Both unchanged. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
foofighter23 Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 think this will be the first 0-0 of the tourney. both teams not quite doing enough to win it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SRL88 Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 I cant see Portugal winning to be honest so I am leaning towards a draw. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cpfc543 Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 think this will be the first 0-0 of the tourney. both teams not quite doing enough to win it. Exactly what I'm thinking. Hopefully we're proved wrong. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob1981 Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 No Euro 96 nostalgia? :confused: Only previous meeting between these two in a Finals: [video=youtube;rgvXteEpr30] Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew_ Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Keane talking sense. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeanNUFC Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 As likely a 0-0 as this could be i don't think it will be as i don't think we'll see one through out the tournament. Maybe i'm just being optimistic though! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vynal Seven Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Keane talking sense. You could sense he just wanted to turn to Carragher and say "Mate, you're talking tosh". Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
skybluedave Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 I'm going to predict POstiga wont get anywhere near a goal Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
aggressive minor Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Hahah, Carragher when talking about Ronaldo lol Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niebiescy Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 think this will be the first 0-0 of the tourney. both teams not quite doing enough to win it. I agree. Backed it this morning and amazingly got 9/1 on it. Both teams played defensively in opening games and if either loses they're out. Can see it being pretty cautious. Portugal are the team who need to score yet have no strikers at all. Basically comes down to whether or not Ronaldo can single-handedly win them the match. Portugal may have the best defence + 'keeper combo in the tournament but lack any serious threat going forward. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niebiescy Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 I'm going to predict POstiga wont get anywhere near a goal I predict that the game will be played using a round ball Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhoy Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 oh jesus, Craig Thompson is the referee! Expect atleast one penalty and a sending off in this game, filled with controversy! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeanNUFC Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Worst singing ever from the Danes Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhino Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 I've just put a tenner on Thompson awarding a penalty in the last five minutes. To Rangers. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vynal Seven Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 I don't like this countdown to kick-off bollocks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orzelek Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 No Euro 96 nostalgia? :confused: Only previous meeting between these two in a Finals:[video=youtube;rgvXteEpr30] That's actually one of the first games I've ever seen with the Danish national team EURO 96 was so great Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJ Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 FFS calm down Danmark. You're supposed to lose dammit. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leppard Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Didn't someone on here say that Kjaer is pronounced as 'care' rather than with a 'y' sound? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
football_master_94 Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Portugal's kit is horrific Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJ Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Poor Zimling. Avoids a broken toe, now is off anyway Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orzelek Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Zimling gets injured. Bad news for Denmark, as Zimling is very good together with Kvist Poulsen ON Zimling OFF Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klimowicz Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Great challenge by the D to prevent Ronaldo scoring there. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orzelek Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Didn't someone on here say that Kjaer is pronounced as 'care' rather than with a 'y' sound? Correct. You almost can't hear the "j" when his name is pronounced in Danish Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
football_master_94 Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Pepe . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klimowicz Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Who's Keyer? edit: Oh, right :o Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhino Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 I pronounce it ka-jay-er and I'm sticking to it. Edit: Actually, it's ku-jay-er Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leppard Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Correct. You almost can't hear the "j" when his name is pronounced in Danish Cheers What a waste by Ronnie. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
el sid Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Portugal's kit is horrific Are you kidding? Love it, the only Euro 2012 kit I've bought Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
el sid Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Don't get booked FFS Agger Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
el sid Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 What a ball. Shame it had to fall to Postiga Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhino Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Haha, you 0-0 naysayers. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeanNUFC Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Gooooooooal! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
el sid Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Pepe scores Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klimowicz Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Pepe .Pepe Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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