Semifinal: Official Portugal vs France PRE Match Thread [R]

[Knave]

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Portugal vs France
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July 5 - Munich (http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/w/bracket.html)
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[Daniel_Alves]

I'm going to unvirginize this and say that I'm happy we're not going to face Brazil because their playing style is more deadly to us. However if the "brigade of carcasses" managed to beat them...then what the hell does that mean?

We don't have a past with France with our current coach, we'll use Deco that was hugely missed vs England, France seems like a very experient team that played as a whole, doing much more than their critics predicted...I really think the outcome is unpredictable.

But considering botch matches, France is considered the favs. At least I hope so, after all, we play better as underdogs ;)

Above all, that the better team may win.

[benficafan3]

I'm going to unvirginize this and say that I'm happy we're not going to face Brazil because their playing style is more deadly to us. However if the "brigade of carcasses" managed to beat them...then what the hell does that mean?

We don't have a past with France with our current coach, we'll use Deco that was hugely missed vs England, France seems like a very experient team that played as a whole, doing much more than their critics predicted...I really think the outcome is unpredictable.

But considering botch matches, France is considered the favs. At least I hope so, after all, we play better as underdogs ;)

Above all, that the better team may win.

France could have had 1% possesion all game, then in public paid the ref to pick up the ball and kick it in, and even if Portugal won 2342341234234234234234234-0, France would still be favorite.

[Excape Goat]

Zidane's retirement party went through Roberto Carlos, Ronaldo and Raul. Now, he will face Figo. He might as well face Italy in the 3rd place match or the Final.

[Realwood]

Henry's "Kill Bill" list...

Puyol.....Check
Ronaldinho....Check
Deco....You're next

[keuch2]

The winner of this semi will win the cup.

Remember this.

[Cliffzinho]

Both teams defenses have taken them to the Semi's...the same theme will occur in this one...look for Ribery and Ronaldo to try to set the paces for both teams...however Scolari has Portugal ready for any team...bring on the French...

PORTUGAL 1-0

[ilv2]

i really don't want to get caught up in all the hope and excessive optimism after these last two victories, but it's just too hard! We've gone from down-and-outs to contenders...amazing.
Two points will be crucial w/ respect to the french performance against portugal 1) fitness and 2) drive. While we've looked better and better thanks to our fitness coaching staff, playing a game every four days at the highest level is still extremely taxing, and no one needs to be reminded of the squad's age. I can only hope that zz, patty, thuram, and the rest and hanging in there. 2) A large reason why we've pulled off the last two victories is that the team was put in an underdog position, and came out playing like supermen (i.e. sagnol, maka, vieira, etc.) I haven't seen the squad play this well in such a long time, it's shocking, and especially when speaking of the desire the win, it's unbelievable the heart that they're showing. Now that france are going to be billed as the favorites by the tiniest of margins, it's going to be interesting to see how they approach the match.

[z187 Portugal]

Portugal vs France, what a game this will be


I just hope we see a Classic match
that can rival the Epic Euro 1984 semi final between France and Portugal

and hopefully PORTUGAL can win this time of course.

Portugal hasnt exactly been a goal scoring machine yet
but
on the bright side DECO FIGO AND RONALDO will finally get to play together
at once (since vs holland ronaldo got injured inside the first 20 mins
and we all know Deco's absense vs England made us more tame in attack)

[rat2k5]

I highly doubt that France and Portugal will be a good game. France will easily beat Portugal. 2 To 0. Portugal couldn't even score on England let alone that French back 4.

[keirosan]

That's because the Portugese didn't have Deco who is a crucial in getting the ball from the back to the front.

[2-8-0]

That's because the Portugese didn't have Deco who is a crucial in getting the ball from the back to the front.
In the similar lines of reasoning, it would mean that Costinha is vital in collecting the ball from his goal line to the edge of his penalty box. :(

[Leixoes-FAN]

Portugal 3 - France 1

This will be a easy game by Portugal. We are the best team of the World...

[|--LdC--|]

I highly doubt that France and Portugal will be a good game. France will easily beat Portugal. 2 To 0. Portugal couldn't even score on England let alone that French back 4.
One could say that the English defense is better than the French defense...i believe we can agree on this.
This will be a tough game France has impressed me on the last 2 games, lets see if we can finally get a result on the semis against France, at club level we usually get good results against French teams.
France will be favourites, Vieira, Makelele, Zidane, Ribery and Henry are great.

[Grell]

I have faith in France, I believe France will defeat Portugal.

Regards,

Grell

[gabisu no ken]

Another semi against Portugal, I just hope it's gonna be easier than 84 or 2000. They have a very good team, very balanced, with high technical skills and a very well organized defense. I hope for our team to play as good as they did against Spain and Brazil, we're gonna need an excellent performance to win and go to the final :cool:

[magalhaes1976]

Since i watch football, there were allways two teams who scared me if Portugal had to play against... one is Italy & the other is France.

We allways perform well against both teams... but in the end we allways lose! :(

Of course this time i hope history doesnt mean squat & we get thru.

[Nanbawan]

It's gonna be tough, hard and tight. I hope the French midfield will continue to dominate and the defence be as strong as it has proven to be lately. If we raise our attacking efficiency with keeping the same safety at the back, we may win yet again.

[Excape Goat]

If France plays liked the match last night, Portugal might be in trouble. I have no confident in Pauleta. The Portugese midfielders will have to score the gaols liked they did in previous matches. Unortuniately, Vieira and Makelele seemed to rediscover their forms. It will be tough for the Portugese midfielders to break through.

[Leixoes-FAN]

If France plays liked the match last night, Portugal might be in trouble. I have no confident in Pauleta. The Portugese midfielders will have to score the gaols liked they did in previous matches. Unortuniately, Vieira and Makelele seemed to rediscover their forms. It will be tough for the Portugese midfielders to break through.

LOL what a funny comment!