Pre-match: Portugal vs. Sweden 2010 World Cup Qualifier 28/03/09

Discussion in 'Portugal: National Teams' started by F.P.F.4life, Feb 15, 2009.

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  1. F.P.F.4life

    F.P.F.4life New Member

    Jan 18, 2009
    Club:
    Sporting CP Lisbon
    Nat'l Team:
    Portugal
    [​IMG] Vs. [​IMG]


    Portugal beat a strong defensive Finland 1-0 while our qualifiying oppenents beat a weak Austria 2-0. Yet they produced great attack and football. Will they play similar to their scandinavian brothers, or will they be a much bigger threat than last encounter...

    Missing striker?

    Portugal have had a striker problem for a long time. Orlando Sa didnt really fill in that gap, but Almeida did try and got on target several times yet thats still not enough. We need striking to score against the 6ft2 goalie of theirs. We played very well against Finland, but lets not forget that sweden are a much more physical and better team then Finland. My opinion, get Liedson on the list.

    Lack of goals!

    We had an overall of 28 to 30 shots on goal against Finland yet only 1 GOAL. From PK spot. We have quality enough to score but we have to many ball hoggers. Unless Queiroz finds tactics to produce much more goals then we have a shot to bring a trophy home for once.

    Left back fixed and Goalie still not sure

    Duda created a great performance and perhaps fixed our left back problem. He played amazing . Yet Eduardo was given too much problems. He did keep a clean sheet but we cannot risk this, we need a solid goalie. We have a great amount of goalies though to pick from. BETO, RICARDO(back in amazing form), D.Fernandes (his height is very useful), and Eduardo.


    Portugal frustration through humiliation will create greater Strength

    Thanks to being battered 6-2 by our colonial brothers, Portugal have strengthened in every aspect. There frustration makes them want to play better and plus thanks to our home side advantage and all our players improving through clubs, we should have a win .



    --------------------------Eduardo---------------------------

    Bosingwa---------------PEPE----------------------Duda
    ----------------B.Alves-----------Carvalho-------------------

    Ronaldo--------------Deco-------------------------Eliseu

    ---------------------Simao-----------------------------
    -------------------------Almeida---------------------------



    Prediction:

    Portugal 2-1 Sweden


    Forca Portugal



     
  2. GoodDead

    GoodDead Moderator
    Staff Member

    Aug 8, 2004
    Toronto Canada
    Club:
    Sporting Braga
    Nat'l Team:
    Portugal
    Wait Sa had a bad game and Almeida had good chances? what game were you watching?

    3 goals in 18 games, hundreds of missed sitters = Hugo Almeida

    If Portugal come out like they did when Danny, Sa and Maniche were on the field they will destroy Sweden. if they come out the way they did with Finland it is going to be a long, long night.

    By now it's obvious when strong team players are on the field Ronaldo is much much more effective because we have options. Sa moves like no other Striker we ever had including Gomes. I've never seen Nuno cut a play in our own end and I never seen him move to half to help the midfield.
    Almeida wasn't in the game at all until the Finland defense falls asleep. he stays up high and does nothing.
    Danny was extremely influential on the wing opposite Ronaldo and shows why he should be a starter.
    Maniche is our best trinco period. Tiago and Pepe were good defensively but what defense did we need vs Finland? Our midfield is too strong same vs Sweden we don't need Trincos the whole game. But Maniche while strong defensively also gives options and drive in offense so again he should always start.

    If Deco get's into form I want him to start again. If not sub him early.

    What a logical CQ will field after the Finland game:

    .............................Eduardo...................................
    Bosingwa..........Pepe.......Carvalho...............Duda
    .....................Maniche......Tiago.................
    Ronaldo...................Deco......................Danny
    .......................Almeida(sigh).....................

    what I want:

    .............................Eduardo...................................
    Bosingwa..........Pepe.......Carvalho...............Duda
    .....................Mendes.......Maniche................
    ........Ronaldo.............Deco..........Danny
    ...............................Sa.....................

    And it's not goals that I expect from Sa in that Spot it's the threat and the space/opportunities he creates. But I'm sure like Danny his first good chance went to waste but his second will be a goal.

    or a 433

    ............Mendes.....Deco......Maniceh
    ...........Ronaldo.......Sa........Danny

    Those kinds of players free up Ronaldo big time as well as give constant options and help aka PLAY LIKE AN F'N TEAM
    You can take your lazy Moutinho's, Meireles', Almeida's and put them out to pasture. We don't need players that only decide to play once the ball lands on their feet or when the game is almost over.

    The fact that you list Beto who has a wall of defenders at his goal line as an option and Ricardo speaks volumes of how little you understand goal tending. Ricardo still lets in balls in the air, he's a master at the PK's but any corner or free kick is an immediate threat we don't need that.

    Your formation at the end was rediculous to say the least. 3 CB's with an untested winger and Simao as a SS? And people thought Pepe as a trinco was way out there for a friendly :rolleyes:

    [/Rant]
     
  3. verde-rubro

    verde-rubro Member+

    C.S.Maritimo + Liverpool FC
    Portugal
    Jan 15, 2005
    LONDON
    Club:
    Liverpool FC
    Nat'l Team:
    Portugal
    we lack height in midfield to win the headers
    we are lacking a costinha type of player that was there to win the balls in the air.
    that's what I liked about Pepe the other night he was winning the balls in midfield when we play Sweden we will need some one that will be able to do that job just cant see Mendes.......Maniche doing it for us.

    and Carvalho is still out injured I don't know if he will make it or have time to get match fit
     
  4. GoodDead

    GoodDead Moderator
    Staff Member

    Aug 8, 2004
    Toronto Canada
    Club:
    Sporting Braga
    Nat'l Team:
    Portugal
    hmmm tall guys who can't play a team game who not necessarily win balls in the air or Maniche? I want guys that will play and move, Sweden can win balls in the air all they want in the midfield but if we have players controlling the ball when will they have the opportunity to throw it to each other? I agree if it was Meireles or Moutinho cuz they don't do anything anyway but Maniche is very important to us.
     
  5. ---Z---

    ---Z--- Member+

    Cagalhao
    Nov 2, 2005
    CAMPEAO
    Club:
    Sporting CP Lisbon
    Nat'l Team:
    Portugal
    mods clean up that first post please, make it look better:eek:

    no offense FPF 4 Life.

    but yeah Orlando Sa > the world.

    btw I think no matter what nani will start ahead of other players, sorry but CQ seems to favour Nani.
     
  6. GoodDead

    GoodDead Moderator
    Staff Member

    Aug 8, 2004
    Toronto Canada
    Club:
    Sporting Braga
    Nat'l Team:
    Portugal
    I wasn't a fan either but the man has his right to post his opinion.
     
  7. Quaresma

    Quaresma New Member

    Aug 1, 2003
    Steeltown
     
  8. GoodDead

    GoodDead Moderator
    Staff Member

    Aug 8, 2004
    Toronto Canada
    Club:
    Sporting Braga
    Nat'l Team:
    Portugal
    That's a good lineup. Simao on the field with Maniche is superb I've seen them work well together in Atletico.

    Danny needs to sub in for whoever, whenever.

    And surely if Almeida doesn't get on the board after 70 mins he will either sub out or we will lose a trinco for Sa (or Danny if he already hasn't started or subbed in)

    This thread was started to early we have a month and a half to go :eek:
     
  9. obscene

    obscene Member

    Jan 20, 2008
    Tri-State
    Club:
    FC Porto
    Nat'l Team:
    Portugal
    There's only 2 things that are in favor of Portugal winning this game:

    1.... No Ibrahimovic for Sweden (yellow card accumulation)
    2.... We're at home, playing in the Dragão

    That's it, and I'm still not confident we can win this game. Queiroz has not shown me he can manage this team. Until he shows me that he can actually win a game against a good side like Sweden, my opinion won't change.
     
  10. F.P.F.4life

    F.P.F.4life New Member

    Jan 18, 2009
    Club:
    Sporting CP Lisbon
    Nat'l Team:
    Portugal
    you must be kidding sa had three open goal chances one was offside ok but still he miss all of them off target

    danny made a difference by doing great passing and getting fouled for a penalty
    orlando sa is amazing dont get me wrong but he didnt play that good against finland
     
  11. GoodDead

    GoodDead Moderator
    Staff Member

    Aug 8, 2004
    Toronto Canada
    Club:
    Sporting Braga
    Nat'l Team:
    Portugal
    The Goalie Saved his offside he didn't shoot it off target. His first was a quick decision that he tried to play the angle and failed. The other was when he turned a defender inside out and I think that was a save, or it may have been the same offside? the game is starting to blur to me.

    All I know is that he managed to get in those positions as well as the lay off to Danny in the 6 yard box that led to the PK (sa was legitimately fouled himself in that play) as well as help in the midfield and the defense.

    Name me ONE other striker you've ever seen work and produce that much in 15-20 minutes? I don't see that much in 2-3 games from Almeida or Pauleta they wait for everything. Nuno helps and holds up a bit but hasn't beaten a defender in years.

    I'm not saying he's the answe to all our problems that should start all I'm saying is he does what none of our strikers ever do and that is work hard and help as well as get into positions for himself. I think more playing time and getting a goal will do wonders for his confidence and even if he doesn't turn into a goal machine he can be one of our most productive forwards.
     
  12. castanha

    castanha New Member

    Aug 5, 2004
    Don't forget that Simao should be healthy for this game.
     
  13. PPereiraSANSA

    PPereiraSANSA New Member

    Jan 16, 2009
    Providence
    Club:
    Sporting Braga
    Nat'l Team:
    Portugal
    The game should be at the Alavalade that stadium we play good at. Ah I remember the 7-1 drubbing against Russia.......Good Memories


    Anyway Sweden have a strong and tall backline players like Almeida and Sa are a must. Just because Ibrahimovic is out they still have Kallstrom, Marcus Berg, Larsson, Wilhelmsen and Issackson looks good.

    If we win it would be huge. Alot of Swedes will be there Thats why I think they want this game at Porto becasue alot of Swedes are in Lisboa.

    Anway Pepe is a must he is a tank last week against Gijon. Duda is class legit the man of the match at the Mestalla.


    ANYWAY I would love to see a



    -------------------------------Eduardo-------------------------------

    Bosingwa---------------Pepe--------------Carvalho---------------Duda


    C.Ronaldo--------------------M.Fernandes------------------Quaresma

    -----------------------Deco------------Danny----------------------

    ------------------------------Orlando Sa-------------------------
     
  14. GoodDead

    GoodDead Moderator
    Staff Member

    Aug 8, 2004
    Toronto Canada
    Club:
    Sporting Braga
    Nat'l Team:
    Portugal
    Manuel Fernandes will not be on the team. And if he is he will not start that is for sure.

    At this point Quaresma is a sub at best. He isn't effective for the team. Ronaldo is already a free role player having two doesn't help our cause. Simao, Danny and even Nani are better options.

    Yes I said Nani, wasteful as he can be at times he does work and track back. If united give him some more playing time he will get back that great form he had last year.
     
  15. ThespecialoneJM

    ThespecialoneJM New Member

    May 13, 2008
    San Jose
    Nat'l Team:
    Portugal
    I dont get why...Fernandes has been amazing this year with Valencia.
     
  16. PPereiraSANSA

    PPereiraSANSA New Member

    Jan 16, 2009
    Providence
    Club:
    Sporting Braga
    Nat'l Team:
    Portugal

    He really has but Valencia are rubbish this season they are on a decline. Anyway Fernandes has done well.

    Maniche should also play he has done well for Atletico Madrid and they are still in the CL looked great against Finland. Danny looks like a fresh player very important. Orlando Sa could be pivotal as he is somewhat pacy, works out defenders and has some height. I think Quaresma would be an awesome inclusion.

    Ibrahimovic gave him alot of sh*t at Inter Milan and he would be on his best to impress. Ronaldo against Ibra before their two clubs meet up alot of pressure on both makes for a great game.

    Alves should not play I can see him fouling Ibrahimovic and giving away stupid set peices and even penalties.

    Pepe is a beast MOTM at Gijon alongside Raul, great player really blossoming into world class.

    VIVA PORTUGAL!!!!!!!!!
     
  17. ---Z---

    ---Z--- Member+

    Cagalhao
    Nov 2, 2005
    CAMPEAO
    Club:
    Sporting CP Lisbon
    Nat'l Team:
    Portugal
    I thought ibramhimovic is going to miss this game? (accumulation of yellow cards)

    Also , dont want to say you are wrong but from your post it sounds like you are saying this game comes before the CL match between man united and inter. this game comes after, on 28 march. the CL match is next week as well as the 2nd leg which should be a fortnight after that.
     
  18. F.P.F.4life

    F.P.F.4life New Member

    Jan 18, 2009
    Club:
    Sporting CP Lisbon
    Nat'l Team:
    Portugal
    I agree with PPereira that PEPE is a monster. He is the best CB in the world, probably him and Vidic but its crazy how good hes become for Madrid. If he plays like that against Sweden with Carvalho then where good. Actually i wouldnt really like Carvalho as CB hes great but doesnt put enough effort anymore. I think Bruno should be tried out and Rolando played good against the Fins.

    Eliseu or Simao on the left wing is good. Simao is more consistent though. But one thing i dont get is why everyone puts Orlando as first striker

    Hes more of a number 10, a second striker. One with good pace and passing skills while almeida should do good as our Center Forward. The guy is amazing at headers but headers wont beat there 6ft3 goalie of theres. We should also look at Bischoff, hes played good for Arsenal yesterday.
     
  19. PPereiraSANSA

    PPereiraSANSA New Member

    Jan 16, 2009
    Providence
    Club:
    Sporting Braga
    Nat'l Team:
    Portugal
    Bischoff was a beast but it was at the Emirates against Cardiff. I expect much more from him but nonetheless great game.

    Pepe is a Monster and he bleeds the Portuguese colours. He celebrates with the Portuguese Flag while at Porto and Madrid. Very underrated
     
  20. PPereiraSANSA

    PPereiraSANSA New Member

    Jan 16, 2009
    Providence
    Club:
    Sporting Braga
    Nat'l Team:
    Portugal
    Yeah, Ibra is out and the CL is before the game DAMN lol

    anyway Ibra will still be at the Dragao watching the game so I expect Quaresma to play like he did angainst Brazil in London
     
  21. F.P.F.4life

    F.P.F.4life New Member

    Jan 18, 2009
    Club:
    Sporting CP Lisbon
    Nat'l Team:
    Portugal
    I seriously believe that Bischoff is our future 2nd Striker. He is amazing technically. So is Rui Fonte. Both players will go far for Portugal later on. All the best to Coentraeo too since I used to be a big fan of him until he went to Zaragoza. But he scored a cracker of a goal against Porto with Rio Ave.

    Portugals goalie, striker and left back problems will all be fixed in the next 5 years. When Tiago Pinto evolves, and Bischoff and Fonte and Sa evolve to become more complete. While Patricio, Ventura, Fernandes and Beto will all become great to call up very soon.
     
  22. obscene

    obscene Member

    Jan 20, 2008
    Tri-State
    Club:
    FC Porto
    Nat'l Team:
    Portugal
    I got some points to make...

    Whoever has Q in their starting 11 is looking too far into the past, he hasn't done cr*p since leaving Porto. And was demoted to the Chelsea reserves, where he surprisingly scored 2 goals. But that still doesn't mean anything until he actually does it for the first team.

    With Deco slowly fading away, Danny is our best playmaker, and he needs to play the full 90 vs. Sweden for us to have any chance of winning! As soon as he entered the game vs. Finland, he made an immediate impact. He can play the Deco role, or out on the wings. Plenty of flexabilty with him in there.

    Almeida showed me NO desire vs. Finland, and Sa showed me he's still not ready. Instead of curving the ball in with his right, he used the outside of his foot way too many times. Still don't know who'd be our best option.

    It's too early to pick a starting 11, we're still a month+ away. Players that aren't doing anything at the moment can suddenly start playing well and players who are playing well can suddenly dip out of form.
     
  23. GoodDead

    GoodDead Moderator
    Staff Member

    Aug 8, 2004
    Toronto Canada
    Club:
    Sporting Braga
    Nat'l Team:
    Portugal
    Vaz Te was even more amazing in the English reserves then any of our youth there now but showed nothing on the big stage. I'll reserve judgment on Bischoff, and Fonte until they get results on the first team.
     
  24. castanha

    castanha New Member

    Aug 5, 2004
    I agree that Danny should be starting.

    As for striker, I personally think our best, at this moment, and only by a slim margin, is Helder Postiga. Scolari used him a lot and he scored quite often for the NT. He's good with the head and has a decent shot from distance.

    I thought Sa looked good, but it was just a brief appearance. Even though he missed the best chance he had, he seemed to be more active than Almeida. He got to places where balls could be played to him, which I think is what we need to take some of the pressure of Cristiano. God knows we can't wait for Quaresma to do that. But we shouldn't try to take too much away from a 20 minute performance.

    As far as trinco goes, I wish we would have given Bruno China a chance against Finland. Not a big name, but he's very successful at what he does. Only 12 goals sofrido pelo Leixoes este ano en 18 partidas. I think he's played every minute of every game so far this year. That shows how important he is. I doubt very much he will be at Leixoes next year. If Katso leaves, Benfica could use a man like China.
     
  25. dipluso

    dipluso Member+

    Jul 19, 2005
    CT
    I think you are close to the logical formation. The only difference I envision is that Simao will start instead of Danny. Basically, the idea is to have 2 high-impact subs waiting in the wings to give an energy jolt to the team sometime in the 2nd half - Danny and Nani. Frankly, I hope CQ has the balls to take out Deco for Danny if he's not making an impact. Nani would come in for Simao.
    Finally, don't be so negative on Almeida - I know he's not as mobile as we'd like but he can be a useful cog in the machine. We can use his size and muscle - as here yesterday, setting up the tying goal against AC Milan: http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/2109883/

    Sa is an exciting prospect but he's way too raw to start on the NT. He's simply too inexperienced. And it's not like he proved to be a natural, "clinical" finisher against Finland. I know you've explained ad nauseum how at least he got in position for good quality shots against Finland (true) but your rationalizations of his easy misses are not nearly as convincing. A world class striker should finish both of those shots easily, and definitely one of them. Hopefully it was just nerves - the first shot in particular with the outside of the foot on an 1-on-1 was _not_ the right decision. But that doesn't matter - all strikers will miss. The key factor here is that Sa has way too few minutes playing - anywhere. He'll have to be phased in both in the league and, hopefully, eventually on the NT.

    One more thing. I would like to see Pepe as trinco again. I like his size and energy. Tiago is a very passive player both offensively and defensively. If Meira were ready to play CB I would definitely try it. As it is, we'll play the more conservative Pepe/Carvalho back line with Maniche/Tiago as trincos.
     

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