This is going to be a tougher match than people expect, unless we score early I feel that a stadium full of Hungarians will push there team all the way. Yes they don’t have anywhere near the quality we have but football isn’t played on paper
Cannot remember Portugal having many easy games in tournaments no matter the opposition, last one I remember was that one versus North Korea. Hungria at Home with very low expectations in general so could well spring a surprise, hopefullly it Will not be against us.
We need to score in the first 15 minutes, Cancelo would have been key as he'd be an extra top class attacker and stretch them...now not so sure.
We should already start testing in training the capabilities of Mendes/Guerreiro at rb. Semedo and Dalot are trash. Brings back the memories of when we used to brag about being stacked at rb. Really unfortunate how Ricardos injury ruined his career
This is pretty much as close as it gets to a must win in the opening match. Not that Portugal can not beat Germany or France, but, its important we grab 3 pts from this match. In terms of Cancelo, yes it sucks, but this is not the end of the team. Its unfortunate that if this had to happen, it could not have happened to a player who was not as important to the NT.. but.. it is what it is. Portugal will be fine without Cancelo. Also, i agree.. this game v Hungary while important and a game Portugal should win.. i dont expect it to be easy like many believe.. i could see a 1-0 type of game.
This is surely a must-win match considering the group, so three points is all that matters. Hungary is solid and the lone host playing in front of a packed crowd, so it won't be easy. Let's just hope they don't fluke their way to three goals/leads like in 2016. During 2018 WCQ, Hungary didn't get any absurd deflections against Portugal and managed one shot on goal across two matches - more of that, please.
We always seem to play down or up to the level of our opponents. We never make it easy on ourselves. That being said, this is the best opening opponent for us. If we can manage a win while France and Germany face each other, that puts us in good standing.
Seriously, can someone tell me how Hungary is playing at home against us ? This system is so dam messed up. They should not even have qualified. They finished in 4th spot in their group and qualified through a playoff rule
We finished 3rd out of 4 without winning a group game and went on to win the euros, I don’t think we can comment on ‘the system’
The worst is for teams who have to play two group games in host stadiums like us, France, Czechs and Scotland. Could potentially play in 3,4 even 5 host stadiums if any of those teams make a final. Ridiculous.
I put money on Portugal.. Don't let me down! I still think you guys should have taken my boy Leao from Milan. The kid is going to be great!
Alright ladies & gents... Moment of truth. Portugal HAS to win this game. This is literally the most difficult group out of all. If we can beat Hungary in the opening match while France & Germany battle it out (to hopefully a draw), we would have one foot into the knockout stage already. Let's see your predictions on the line-up, sad about Cancelo but I believe Semedo can step up: ------------------------------Rui Patricio--------------------------- Semedo-------------Pepe-------------Dias----------Guerreiro -------------------------------William-------------------------------- Bernardo----------------Fernandes---------------------Neves ----------------------Jota----------------Ronaldo-------------------
No cancelo no problemo. Well, a big loss but nothing you can do about it. I will go with: Guerreiro Dias Pepe Semedo Maybe give Pepe the day off for Fonte.
I think our starting line will be pretty much the line up we had in our last game minus Cancelo of course and Semedo will fill in for him. I would however prefer that we put Querreiro on the right side and put Mendes on the left side. We have to find the room for this kid to play.
I tend to agree here... Mendes is a special talent. He is really young but it felt like he could already be a starter in his last game. Just incredible! Let's see what Santos goes with... I'm thinking more conservative as usual and keep the vets in for now... Guerreiro to start and Mendes to replace him later in the 2nd half I think.