gillsminnow Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Portugal vs Spain Donbass Arena Kick Off: 7:45pm (8:45pm CET) Referee: C.Cakir Preview Tick tock, tick tock. The sound of time running out for either Portugal or holders Spain at UEFA EURO 2012 – or the noise emanating from an explosive Cristiano Ronaldo, fused, primed and waiting to destroy La Roja's title defence? For Vicente del Bosque, the prolific Real Madrid CF forward could prove an incendiary nightmare in Wednesday's semi-final. "We have to try to deactivate him," explained the Spain coach, displaying a keen feel for the perfect sound bite. The 61-year-old has genuine respect for the entire Portugal side – "a great team" – but the question of how to stop their re-energised No7 remains uppermost in Spanish minds. "We have to take notice of Ronaldo," added Del Bosque, whose side downed France 2-0 in the last eight. "He's an excellent player and it's logical that there's so much talk about him." In truth, there was plenty of talk when Ronaldo was having a quiet tournament, but, after scoring all three of his team's goals in vital wins against the Netherlands and quarter-final opponents the Czech Republic, many are asking whether he can get his first against Spain in Donetsk. Del Bosque is taking heart from silencing Ronaldo in South Africa, when Spain defeated their Iberian neighbours 1-0 in the round of 16 en route to FIFA World Cup glory. "We knew how to play against him and how to stop him and we'll try the same tomorrow," he said, before nonetheless insisting that "we don't want to look back" when reminded of his charges' 4-0 friendly loss in Lisbon just four months later. Presumably, he is reading equally little into the fact that Spain have never lost any of their four major semi-finals. Instead, Del Bosque maintained that he is focused on cultivating his own team's philosophy. "We will be ourselves," he said. "Of course, we have to pay attention to certain details, but it's important to play our game and develop our ideas." Portugal coach Paulo Bento struck a similar note and would be fielding the same starting lineup for a seventh straight competitive game were it not for Hélder Postiga's thigh injury. Hugo Almeida will now lead the line as the Selecção das Quinas hunt a first ever win against La Roja on foreign soil. "We have ambition and courage," said Bento. "We know what we have to do. We have to put pressure on our opponents and our aim is not to defend all the time. We won't do that against the world and European champions. I think they know we can cause them problems." They certainly did that at UEFA EURO 2004, inflicting Spain's most recent defeat in this tournament to knock them out in the group stage. Portugal's own campaign eventually ended with a showpiece loss to Greece, and Bento wants to lead them to another final. "There can't be any more beautiful opportunity than the one we'll have tomorrow. We could reach the second final in our history and we're all conscious of that. We're aware of our responsibility to the Portuguese people to continue in this tournament." Back home, they will be hearing every second tick down until kick-off. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhino Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 The OP needs shiny badges. Do we need to get Leppard to come sort this out? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillsminnow Posted June 27, 2012 Author Share Posted June 27, 2012 For the purposes of my dream team I would like Spain to win please. Iniesta and Silva with an equal split of the goals in a 6-0 Drubbing. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillsminnow Posted June 27, 2012 Author Share Posted June 27, 2012 The OP needs shiny badges. Do we need to get Leppard to come sort this out? I had them in. I liked the kits. Pitiful FOUR images maximum. Badges OUSTED. Blame SI. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonno-Blood Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 I had them in. I liked the kits. Pitiful FOUR images maximum. Badges OUSTED. Blame SI. Are Portugal actually confirmed as wearing the white kit despite being listed as the home team? Would love your kits to be wrong Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeanNUFC Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 They've used it all the time so far... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Philip Rolfe Posted June 27, 2012 Administrators Share Posted June 27, 2012 They wore red against Germany. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonno-Blood Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Wore it against Germany (when they were the away team but Germany play in white) and against Netherlands where they were listed as the home team. Wore white vs Denmark because they were the away team and Denmark play in red and similarly in the quarters vs Czech Republic. Would imagine as the "home" team they'll take the red kit. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
boots Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Anyone else see this as being a really ugly match? Lots of fouls, a few cards thrown around, maybe 1 goal in 90 minutes if we're lucky. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Razzler Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 I hope it's brutal Spain to take a lead and totally control the game but everyone take an intake of breath when Ronaldo gets the ball as he goes on a run with the chance that just one chance and they're level despite Spain's dominance. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lermon Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Despite Spain's dominance, there's this strange feeling in the air Portugal can nick it. I'm going either 2-0 Spain, or 2-1 Portugal. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
av3ry Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 If I was the German chancellor I would threaten everyone by saying whoever wins this tournament doesnt get a bailout... Ronaldo to nick this. Got a horrible feeling Portugal's winning the tournament. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhino Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 I had them in. I liked the kits. Pitiful FOUR images maximum. Badges OUSTED. Blame SI.Good point. You should, however, combine them into a single image in Photoshop, upload it and then link to that. I'm very demanding. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dudge7 Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 I've said all along I think Spain are going to win the tournament and I still do. Gone for 3-1 to Spain. Ronaldo to nick an early goal, Spain to quickly equalise and they stroll it from there. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan_rm Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 For the second time in this tournament, UEFA won't allow a minute's silence or black armbands. Such gentlemen. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ibra8 Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Wore it against Germany (when they were the away team but Germany play in white) and against Netherlands where they were listed as the home team. Wore white vs Denmark because they were the away team and Denmark play in red and similarly in the quarters vs Czech Republic. Would imagine as the "home" team they'll take the red kit. We're going to wear the white kit. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Icelander83 Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Mon Ronaldo Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cms186 Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 I had them in. I liked the kits. Pitiful FOUR images maximum. Badges OUSTED. Blame SI. surely you can combine the two kits into one image? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cms186 Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 For the second time in this tournament, UEFA won't allow a minute's silence or black armbands. Such gentlemen. apparantly they allowed france to have a minutes silence for some commentator, but for an actual player? heavens forbid Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillsminnow Posted June 27, 2012 Author Share Posted June 27, 2012 surely you can combine the two kits into one image? You do it, provide the link and I'll bung it in the op. deal? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RubenJ Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Arbeloa as right back against Ronaldo. just fan-****ing-tastic Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SRL88 Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Spain to win 2-1 I think and set up a repeat of Euro 2008, except Germany will win. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
football_master_94 Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Rather straight-forward win for Spain tonight, imo, 2-0 Spain. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leppard Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Good point. You should, however, combine them into a single image in Photoshop, upload it and then link to that. I'm very demanding. I would've done this because I don't have a life I really like the Portugal and Spain written in their colors in the OP, though. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest avine Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Portugal deserve credit, they had a diffcult group to qualify and in quarterfinals were improved against Czech Republic Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leppard Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Expecting Portugal to score first but Spain to fight back and win 2-1. Iniesta to score the first goal and, after del Bosque brings on Navas and Llorente and Llorente scores, he'll see the light and play a striker in the final. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy_T Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 looks like another case of Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vynal Seven Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 I'd like to see Spain line up. Casillas Pique Busquets Xavi Alonso Navas Cazorla Alba Silva Iniesta Fabregas You know it makes sense Vincente Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy_T Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 in fact negredo looks to be playing finally Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vynal Seven Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 in fact negredo looks to be playing finally Fine take out Pique, stick Negredo up top. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Smith Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 When will the official line-ups be out? An hour before the match? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leppard Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 I'd like to see Spain line up. Casillas Pique Busquets Xavi Alonso Navas Cazorla Alba Silva Iniesta Fabregas You know it makes sense Vincente Should replace Piqué with Martinez, tbh. in fact negredo looks to be playing finally Great news if true! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vynal Seven Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Should replace Piqué with Martinez, tbh! Don't be ridiculous, Casillas would have to play the ball too long, need Piqué in there to come and collect it. Plus he's good enough to step into midfield and play a bit if they get overrun in the middle. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Icelander83 Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Don't be ridiculous, Casillas would have to play the ball too long, need Piqué in there to come and collect it. Plus he's good enough to step into midfield and play a bit of they get overrun in the middle. What part of that doesn't fit Martinez as well? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pukey Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Negredo definitely starting? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vynal Seven Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 It would just be too midfieldy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Icelander83 Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 It would just be too midfieldy. Martinez is a defender now Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
el sid Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Poor Llorente Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vynal Seven Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Martinez is a defender now Look, I've selected Pique, deal with it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Icelander83 Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Look, I've selected Pique, deal with it. Can't blame you for going for the looks tbf Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vynal Seven Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Shakira is one lucky girl tbh. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest avine Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Is it enough Pique or even Casillas to surprise Spain negatively really? or even Ronaldo? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HopOnBaby Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Facebook informs me that an anagram of Spain vs Portugal is 'vaginal supports', so... yeah. Make of that what you will. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bennceltic Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Got a £10 on Ronaldo FGS and Spain 3-2 win both as singles and a double (so 30 quid stake in total). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillsminnow Posted June 27, 2012 Author Share Posted June 27, 2012 Portugal [TABLE=class: playerstats lineups table] [TR=class: odd, bgcolor: white] [TD=class: shirtnumber]12[/TD] [TD=class: player large-link]Rui Patrício[/TD] [TD=class: bookings][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: even] [TD=class: shirtnumber]3[/TD] [TD=class: player large-link]Pepe[/TD] [TD=class: bookings][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: odd, bgcolor: white] [TD=class: shirtnumber]2[/TD] [TD=class: player large-link]Bruno Alves[/TD] [TD=class: bookings][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: even] [TD=class: shirtnumber]5[/TD] [TD=class: player large-link]Fábio Coentrão[/TD] [TD=class: bookings][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: odd, bgcolor: white] [TD=class: shirtnumber]21[/TD] [TD=class: player large-link]João Pereira[/TD] [TD=class: bookings][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: even] [TD=class: shirtnumber]16[/TD] [TD=class: player large-link]Raul Meireles[/TD] [TD=class: bookings][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: odd, bgcolor: white] [TD=class: shirtnumber]17[/TD] [TD=class: player large-link]Nani[/TD] [TD=class: bookings][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: even] [TD=class: shirtnumber]4[/TD] [TD=class: player large-link]Miguel Veloso[/TD] [TD=class: bookings][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: odd, bgcolor: white] [TD=class: shirtnumber]8[/TD] [TD=class: player large-link]João Moutinho[/TD] [TD=class: bookings][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: even] [TD=class: shirtnumber]7[/TD] [TD=class: player large-link]Cristiano Ronaldo[/TD] [TD=class: bookings][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: odd, bgcolor: white] [TD=class: shirtnumber]9[/TD] [TD=class: player large-link]Hugo Almeida[/TD] [TD=class: bookings][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: even] [TD=colspan: 2]Coach: Paulo Bento[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] Spain [TABLE=class: playerstats lineups table] [TR=class: odd, bgcolor: white] [TD=class: shirtnumber]1[/TD] [TD=class: player large-link]Casillas[/TD] [TD=class: bookings][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: even] [TD=class: shirtnumber]15[/TD] [TD=class: player large-link]Sergio Ramos[/TD] [TD=class: bookings][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: odd, bgcolor: white] [TD=class: shirtnumber]17[/TD] [TD=class: player large-link]Arbeloa[/TD] [TD=class: bookings][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: even] [TD=class: shirtnumber]3[/TD] [TD=class: player large-link]Piqué[/TD] [TD=class: bookings][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: odd, bgcolor: white] [TD=class: shirtnumber]18[/TD] [TD=class: player large-link]Jordi Alba[/TD] [TD=class: bookings][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: even] [TD=class: shirtnumber]6[/TD] [TD=class: player large-link]Iniesta[/TD] [TD=class: bookings][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: odd, bgcolor: white] [TD=class: shirtnumber]14[/TD] [TD=class: player large-link]Xabi Alonso[/TD] [TD=class: bookings][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: even] [TD=class: shirtnumber]8[/TD] [TD=class: player large-link]Xavi[/TD] [TD=class: bookings][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: odd, bgcolor: white] [TD=class: shirtnumber]21[/TD] [TD=class: player large-link]David Silva[/TD] [TD=class: bookings][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: even] [TD=class: shirtnumber]16[/TD] [TD=class: player large-link]Busquets[/TD] [TD=class: bookings][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: odd, bgcolor: white] [TD=class: shirtnumber]11[/TD] [TD=class: player large-link]Negredo[/TD] [TD=class: bookings][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: even] [TD=colspan: 3]Coach: Del Bosque[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest avine Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Got a 5 on Spain to win:brock: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
football_master_94 Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Poor Llorente He might not be a 100%, tbf. He looked absolutely shattered at the end of the domestic season. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
georginho_juventusygr Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 'Mon Cristiano Ronaldo. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vynal Seven Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Why do they keep saying Spain have invented a new 4-6-0 system? Everyone knows Craig Levein invented it ages ago. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
georginho_juventusygr Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Because people remember only big things sadly. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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