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

38 players...Wow...has Carlos lost his mind a little bit? I like the Manuel Fernandes, and Pedro Mendes callups.

Also, it just came to me but since Paulo Ferreira is out for the rest of the season, technically there might be 1 spot available for the RB/LB spot. Nelson, may very well claim that, he has been playing brilliantly for Betis this season, offensively and defensively.

I also like the Edinho call up. I haven't seen too much of him, but he seems to pop up in the news here and there.... Wouldn't mind seeing him for the SA game.

 

Yeah I know. Im curious though, do the 38 players that he named participate in the Portugal training sessions?

 

One thing that would be fun to re-try at some point (definitely _not_ on an important game) would be a 4-4-2. Now, given Ronaldo's playing style, the only way the team can play a 4-4-2 is if Ronaldo is _not_ in the midfield. Given his prowess in the air and speed it would be fun to put him up front with -say- Almeida. Then, assuming Quaresma continues to mature, have Quaresma as right-winger. Both Quaresma and Simao can track back, both have average/good speed, both have average/good dribbling, and, most importantly, both can cross well. This would allow us to play with 2 midfielders - one of Maniche/Mendes/Fernandes and one of Deco/Danny. And it would allow us to put a lot more pressure on the opponent's Center Backs. Both Almeida and Ronaldo could threaten in the air and Ronaldo could burn the backs for speed.

We need to be able to do this at some point. Right now, Portugal is an incredibly predictable team. Always the damn 4231 with crappy lone striker starved of the ball and reliance on magic solo play from the wide players. Other teams know to force Ronaldo way back or way wide. Then he crosses to a single Forward who is double-teamed. We need to have some alternative to this formula. Ronaldo has yet to show he can play Forward; perhaps a good start would be to put him in a 2-forward set with good wingers. That would give us a different look and maximize our talents.

My 2 cents,
-A.

 

What formation does Man U. play in? Cristiano is prolific there. I'm sure this must have occurred to QC since he was the assistant coach. Guess he doesn't think it's a good idea.

 

Lets hope we win against Sweden, or else this second game will have practically no importance.

 

Decos gone for the rest of the season, ********.

By far our best mid the past matches..i still remember his performance vs Denmark..sensational..deserved to be on a winning team that game.

Come on querioz, nows the time to play Danny behind the striker!!

 

This can be Danny break through. I swear to go if Danny does not start in behind the strike in that CAM role...I will break my head.

 

I also think Danny should start as the #10. I'll be surprised if he does, though. The NT coaches never seem to do what makes sense to us.

 

Yeah I know, but who else is CQ going to throw in there? Hugo Viana. Danny basically plays that CAM. FW position for Zenit, and he plays it well. Why not allow him the oppertunity.

Because if I see Moutinho in there...instead of Danny, I don't want to knock Moutinho's ability, but the far more offensive, and attacking player is Danny.

 

I know that, and you know that, but we'll see how CQ screws it up.

I'm more worried about who are the two midfielders that are going to play behind Danny. Maniche and Manny Fernandes haven't been playing. Tiago doesn't excite me. Pdero Mendes never gets a chance. Rual Meireles may have to start but he doesn't excite me either. Who is going to anchor our midfield?

 

I have been looking at Raul, he has been getting increasingly better. He was very good against Atletico during both legs. I wouldn't mind seeing him in the DM spot...The only knock against him that I have is that he tends to favor one side when passing the ball.

We could partner him with Maniche no?

 

I think you're right. But I thought I just read something like Maniche wasn't even dressed for Atletico's last game. That worries me. What's going on there?

I think Manny Fernandes has the most talent, but I never get to see him play anymore. He can run like the dickens and steal the ball from anyone. I wouldn't mind seeing him in there, assuming he's the same player I remember.

 

He is, his ball control and passing is still some of the best I have seen, anywhere from that CM position. But he is a streaky player, thats why if we were to partner him in the Midfield, we would have to make sure that the DM would be just that, a out and out DEFENSIVE minded player. The reason being sometimes he does not track back as fast as he should from the advanced offensive positions that he gets himself in.

 

------------------Eduardo----------------
---------Pepe---------------Carvalho-------
Bosingwa---------------------------------Duda
------------Meireles-----Maniche----------------
---Simao----------Danny-------------Ronaldo----
------------------Almeida/Gomes-----------------

Subs:
Nani
Quaresma
Moutinho
Fernandes
Meira
Miguel
Moriera/Quim

 

I don't know. I can see CQ putting Moutinho either in Danny's spot or Maniches...which would be, in my opinion, not the smartest move.

 

I bet queiroz will play

meireles----Tiago
------Moutinho----