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

In my opinion, Portugal has not had a a good Defensive Midfielder since Costinha. I am telling you people, we took that kid for granted. He was tall, intelligent, good at passing and retaining possesion. He did have his lapses..lol...comedic lapses, but he was a good player.

 

I hope to see Pepe in the DM role again.
Perhaps its no coincidence that Oceano is now part of Queiroz's staff....to help Pepe I hope.

 

Who is Oceano?

 

he played for Portugal in euro 1996.

long time Sporting player.

 

btw, arent carvalho and deco injured?

I also thought pepe was also injured..

whats going on?

 

agreed!

 

Hmm, never heard of him. Was he a CB who transitioned to a DM position as well?

Nah, Carvalho returned 2 weeks ago I believe. He has looked solid since his return. Pepe had a slight knock, he was back in action this weekend and didn't miss a beat.

Deco however came off in the Chelsea game, and it was reported that he was going to be out for the rest of the season... yet Carlos still called on him, I am not sure whats going on there...

 

Oceano was not bad, similar in qualities to Pepe: strong, quick and determined with decent feet. Played DM a bit different in those days since Sousa would kind of sit back and play like "volante" as the spanish call it or deep lying playmaker, Oceano would be the first man to run and press every counter attack, but he would commit himself a bit too much, I guess he knew Sousa was behind him and he was a pretty good tackler himself.

 

sweden has a very poor team without zlatan

 

I guess I was too young. I remember participating in the events, but no ones names really registered then. I only started really knowing who was in International futebol, and thus Portugal, when 2000 rolled around. Yet even then, you had to probably have a significant impact on the game...

 

Can we get a home win?

 

damnit if deco isnt fit to play, its risky to have him starting.

hope everything works out.

 

My thoughts exactly, why have him out there if hes only 80 %? Send in Danny damn it.

 

I dont know if anyone saw Racing vs Valencia but Manny was absolutely
brilliant, its these games which make me believe that he will be the best CM in the world. When he is on forget Gerard, Fabregas, Xavi, Pirlo Manny can do what all of them can and with style. He was the best player on the pitch by a mile and showed that when it matters he shows up. Its an absolute crime that he hasn't been called to the NT.

 

As usual another quality post by you.

I still remember Gerrard handing Manny his jersey after Benfica knocked Liverpool out of the CL after he put in 2 brilliant performances.

i still remember him making a absolute mockery of Fabregas vs Arsenal.

Not to mention this season he was sublime vs Barca/Real Madrid etc

One of Valencias only few bright spots this season.

 

The only thing is that his consistency has to improve.

But the midfield of
---------------------------------Pele-------------------------------------
-------------------Manny--------------------Danny-----------------------
would be hard working, mobile and creative

 

Why is everyone so worried about Deco being on the squad???
If he doesnt recover fully his substitute is on the squad, Danny.
The only other good Portuguese # 10 is Martins and it doesnt seem like Queiroz likes him.

 

We know that Danny is quality.

But does Querioz know?

Thats why we're worried, he might not use him and instead use 3 CM's

 

Who's the one that called Danny to the NT in the first place?

 

In theory it looks beautiful. But Pele is a mess right now it seems.

 

Danny needs to play as a second striker...he attacks the goal to much to be a # 10.

 

Danny isn't able to find the little passes that Deco finds, Danny is very direct though I like that about him. When Deco is on form he makes us tick when he isn't we look very bland, sad to say but true.