EURO 2020: Reigning, Defending, Champions Of Europe General Discussion

We better see some tactical innovation against The Serbs. We are going into these qualifiers with an unprecedented way better talent level than the EURO 2016 and World Cup qualifiers.

I don't think the 'same old' 'same old' slow starters excuse is going to cut it here. We should be winning these. At least narrowly.

 

Was there something wrong with the surface of the pitch? So many poor long passes from usually reliable crosses such as Moutinho, Cancelo and Bernardo... Our crosses and long balls were bizarrely poor for most of the game - and all 3 of those guys have been playing well for club. It just seemed very strange...

 

There was no reports i heard of about the pitch. Beyond that, it was in Portugal.. specifically the Luz. In other words, i believe there is no chance something was wrong with the pitch. Simply a poor game.

Guedes is healthy again (flu) and i would not be surprised to see him get a start against Serbia, more pace than Ronaldo, which translates into Ronaldo slotting into the middle who provides better finishing and heading ability than A.Silva. We do not need A.Silva for this game, he will provide literally nothing of use.

Would still love to see Cancelo play at LB and Semedo at RB. Only suggesting this because Cancelo has played on the left side for Juve multiple times. He is obviously ok and comfortable with it. Take advantage of our depth at RB.

 

Serbia is a dangerous team, we shouldnt just open up right away and make up for Friday.

Maybe take out Neves, push Moutinho back, and start Pizzi?(Fernandes is unavailable otherwise it would be him).

Another possibility is shifting Bernardo inside and starting a quick winger like Rafa...or what I like which is Cancelo LB, Gurreiro in front of him like he plays for Dortmund, and Semedo at RB.

Rafa is good but not sure if he can make a difference at this level since Bruma and Gelson are in average form right now and Guedes just had the flu.

 

I do not disagree with you. Serbia is a dangerous team and we should not take them lightly, or as you suggested play an open style of match with them from the get-go.

Not sure how much of a change we see in the starting 11 tomorrow. I think the back 4 will remain the same (unfortunately).

The ONLYYYYY change i can envision is in the midfield to be honest. I can see Moutinho being replaced for either J.Mario or B.Silva. If B.Silva, then either Guedes or Rafa taking the spot outwide.

I do like your suggestion though, of having Cancelo at LB, Semedo at RB, and Guerreiro as LW.. I think it is a solid option and gets the most out of this team from a depth perspective.

 

Official line-up from Uefa.com

PORTUGAL: Patrício; Cancelo, Pepe, Rúben Dias e Guerreiro; Bernardo, Danilo, William e Rafa. Ronaldo e Dyego Sousa.

Danilo and William playing together is a bit strange.

Dyego Sousa starts his first ever game for us.

 

Rafa starting? And Diego Souza?

Not sure they're up to this level.

 

Also if this is our starting lineup Bernardo Silva better be playing in midfield ahead of William and Danilo

 

losing already. What is this lineup? Danilo and William? Who are we facing, Germany?

 

If we lose this game, we could be in a bit of trouble. It's still early but 1 point at home from 2 games would be disaster. We would have to win in Kiev and Belgrade if we want to top the group.

 

Its very early but I am a worried. I dont get the Danilo William combo, against a top team it may be a great combo but not at home versus Serbia. Neves had a poor game but hes our only midfielder in forever that seems willing to take long range shots, anytime the ball comes to carvalho or moutinho or mario or whoever is there, there is no worries about a shot, teams know there will be a pass out wide and a cross into the box.

Two players i was so looking forward to seeing in these games were Fernandes and Felix, what a shame. Bruno would i assume been starting these two games if it werent for the injury

 

CR7 pulled a muscle. He's done. Pizzi replaces him.

 

How is that not a pk on Bernardo???

 

Wow, Danilo can shoot

 

Danilo!

 

Great shot by Danilo! But still any time Serbia counter I'm holding my breath. Other than the goal from Danilo, Portugal look too predictable...

Also that should have been PK for Bernardo.

 

Those last 2 minutes were dangerous.

 

Ok let's say anytime Serbia have the ball in Portugal's half I'm holding my breath. Wtf are they doing defensively...?

 

what you smoking bud?

 

With Danilo, William, Dias, and Pepe in the middle, they should be doing MUCH better defensively than they are right now... I think having Danilo and William pushing too far forward is causing the defensive side of things to break down. Maybe Im wrong but this is what is looking like to me so far.

 

Sounds like Ronaldo injured his hamstring from some online sources. Hopefully, its not too serious.

 

Man, Pepe is a sneaky A-hole lol.

 

Why does William have to be at the end of all these chances...