I agree. Carrico is Sporting best defender, the reason why he struggles is because he is partner besides Polga, and it doesn't really matter on the right side because hes covering for whoever Sporting put on that side. Moutinho is Moutinho, a good player. Above average, but nothing special, and definitely not an offensive threat or game breaker. He also struggles against strong, tall opposition..Denmark is a team with those qualities. He shouldn't be on the pitch..he is no Paul Scholes....
Hmm, I do remember Moutinho being influent and showing flair in World Cup 2006 though. At that time Portugal was using the 4-1-1-3-1 formation, Moutinho as a CM. As far as I know, he's a RCM at Sporting...but it wasn't always like this right? How far has Sporting been playing the diamond formation?
since paulo bento took over we have been using 4-4-2 diamond peseiro might have even introduced it weve had it forever.
I never know where these sort of bitter quotes come from but if it's true, then Simon Kjaer said: "We have to upset him right at the start, kick and knock him down a bit, without getting a yellow card." Apparently, his best method to stop C. Ronaldo. http://www.record.pt/noticia.aspx?i...&idCanal=00002452-0000-0000-0000-000000002452
That would work tho. It would take him off his game. But if they focus on Cristiano, that may leave a couple guys open.
well the way ronaldo has played the last year for Portugal, its better just to stick to zonal marking from a danish perspective
I think it's the opposite at this point. He got better and better in the EPL even as he got kicked more and more. He often got up smiling. Now, when the ref. doesn't call the questionable tackles, then, yeah, he becomes a little b&^ch and just complains instead of getting up and doing something useful.
well last time belgium played portugal they made threats against ronaldo before the game and then we cruised to a 4-0 win with ronaldo scoring two goals and quaresma having a fine performance.
Locker room material? Or too close to the truth? ;-) From: http://www.abola.pt/nnh/ver.aspx?id=175203 A chamada de Liedson à Selecção Nacional serviu de mote à provocação do capitão da Dinamarca, Jon Dahl Tomasson, que, em tom irónico, afirmou que Portugal teve de ir «ao Brasil comprar um verdadeiro ponta-de-lança». «Eles estão necessitados de um verdadeiro ponta-de-lança e então foram ao Brasil comprar um», disse, entre sorrisos, o avançado do Feyenoord, prosseguindo: «Não fazemos isso na Dinamarca, nem no resto da Escandinávia, comparando com o que acontece nos países do Sul da Europa. Mas por mim está tudo bem».
I would tape this statement over every players locker/stall. Maybe an extra big one for Liedson. As if Liedson did not already have the motivation to do well in this game. This should put him over the top. I hope we kick their asses all over the field. Lets see if this team has any fire in it.
After comments like that, there should be no other outcome. The player should want blood. Hell I want blood.
So far the mental game is in our hands as long as we don't reply to the Danes. We seen what happens when there is talk before an important game (Russia 2005, Belgium 2007)
I agree. No one should say 1 word. Queiroz should ban all interviews and contact with the media from here on out. This is a decisive game, its like a World Cup game damn it. EDIT: I just looked at the interview the danish players were giving. Their forward repeated numerous times that they would be satisfied with 1 point. If this is the case, I am all for it. Let them try and defend the entire game...
From reading our player interviews everyone is upset and worried about how things are going. The only person happy and thinking we are still ok: Carlos Queiroz....what a stupid sack of shit this clown is. It's all up to our players to win in spite of CQ and his lack of motivation, strategy, guidance and common sense. Forca Portugal because the guy from Mozambique is clueless.
Well I only saw interview from 2 players today. Nani and Tiago. Nani seemed down and worried, Tiago kept saying we had to win. Where did you read/see that the players were upset?
Same as you, I'm talking about the tone and the desperation in their statements. Deco 'We have to win and that's it". Carvalho talking about them not getting over the Denmark loss. Meanwhile CQ is full of confidence as he has always been....based on what evidence? I have no clue. This is the same clown who before the Albania game was sure that we would qualify failing to realize that had Sweden beat Denmark we would be near mathematically out no matter if we won all our remaining games. Not to mention he stated he would hate to be in Albania's position....while we we're in the same point position
what did they say? and it is a confirmed quote? the danish press is portraying Portugal as the arrogant side - it probably helps selling more newspapers. anyway, with 11 players injured (not all equally important) I will be satisfied with a draw. Missing daniel agger in central defense is a huge blow, but playing in Parken is difficult for any side- I see anything from a danish win (2-1) to a portuguese win- 0-3. it will come down to capitalizing chances- and untill now portugal has needed 20-30 chances to score 1 goal - denmark has been more effective all I know is that this game will not finish 0-0
yeah they are confirmed quotes. and get ready, hell is going to reign down... all of denmark will feel the wrath of PORTUGAL (and brasil!!!) We Need CR to do this AasRVb_7TVA GRANDE FIGO Vs one of the greatest GK ever Schemical... (Campeao with SCP in 99/00 )
First, where did you see that both Gomes and Liedson will start? I would be shocked if this happend, as we never use two strikers. Second, people keep bringing up Veloso. Was Veloso even called up?? I didnt think he was? He may be a prick for saying it, but it's true. We cant develop any quality strikers, and until recently you could say the same thing about keepers. But know we got a couple who have potential. As for Liedson, I don't think he's gonna be the answer. That said, should be interesting to see what he can do playing with Simao, Ronaldo, Deco, etc. We shouldn't be surprised. Denmark dont need to win this game. They should be satisfied with a point. We rarely agree, but I will say this. Amen brother! The fact that Nani is down and worried, proves a point I've been saying for a long time now. CQ is a disgrace of a manager. And has no idea how to motivate and instill confidence in his players. Say what you want about Scolari, he had no clue when it came to tactics, but at least he could motivate and give his players confidence to win. I hope the players prove me wrong, but we will never win anything as long as CQ is running the show. The only hope now is for the players to take things into their own hands.
my bad ppl heres the vid ( Cant edit posts) [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AasRVb_7TVA"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AasRVb_7TVA[/ame] FORCA PORTUGAL!!! good luck to denmark. but WE WILL WIN
yeah man. Veloso was called up. and yes its pretty much been confirmed we will use a 4-4-2 diamond formation meaning we will field TWO strikers. maybe CR/Liedson, CR/Simao , or Gomes etc. Man up.. this is big. you gotta REP YOUR SET in this type of match. its PORTUGAL vs DENMARK REP YOUR SET PLAYER