FWC-Portugal
Portugal:-
“A Seleção das Quinas” have come agonizingly close to a real shot at glory over the last decade or so at major international competitions. They hope to surpass their own expectations this time around!
In terms of headaches for head coach Paulo Bento, his defense looks rather solid; however, Bruno Alves and Pepe (injury, fitness and/or form permitting), with a combined age of 63, certainly do not form the youngest CB partnership among the 32 teams competing. Their lack of pace (especially in Bruno Alves’ case) coupled with Pepe’s trademark lapses of concentration and being caught out of position could prove to be their undoing.
Moreover, João Pereira and Fábio Coentrão are both very attack-minded SBs and, while they fit coach Bento’s strategy perfectly, their recurring forward runs often leave gaping holes either side of their defense.
Therefore, in light of the aforementioned defensive worries, it’s no surprise to find out that in the 27 games Portugal have played over the last 2 years, they have averaged (approximately) a 1.04 ratio of goals-conceded-per-game (GCG). Excluding friendlies, the ratio drops slightly to 0.88; which is still almost one goal PER game and, quite simply, not good enough.
In midfield, coach Bento has a very reliable choice of midfielders, all of whom are very talented and experienced. In fact, only a few teams competing at the WC can confidently boast such a midfield-trio, and much of Portugal’s success will depend on these players; for their positional play will be vital in protecting their somewhat leaky defense, while their vision, technique and passing (both short & long) will dictate the pace, flow and rhythm of their play going forward.
Without a doubt, Portugal tend to play in a pure counter-attacking manner under coach Bento, and it’s no secret that, given their choice of wingers, it will mainly be a case of running the channels and delivering ball after ball into the box to their target man. They like to invite pressure way deep into their own half and then launch blitz-fast counters; often catching opposition defenders off-guard.
Coach Bento places a considerable emphasis on set-pieces and he commands a very strict set-up in dead-ball situations; always trying to maximize their goal-scoring potential every time Portugal are fouled or get a corner.
Another aspect of play that should worry opposing teams is Portugal’s clear desire to shoot from distance every time space opens up in the middle of the park; as they have a large contingent of players with excellent shooting abilities and have proven, time and again, to be able to score absolute screamers.
Admittedly, a lot of work has to be done before Portugal even kick a ball at the actual WC and the degree to which coach Bento addresses his team’s weaknesses will reflect on their performances and how far they end up going in the competition.
Main man (how difficult :P): Cristiano Ronaldo: The man who almost single-handedly gave Portugal the ticket to Brazil will now want to lead his national team to more glory and cap an amazing year for him. His team surely have the elements necessary for success (compare Messi’s situation with Argentina!) and it’s time for him to shine on the international forefront. Again, no need to mention his footballing attributes!
Odds (average from top 24 betting firms): 27.41667
“A Seleção das Quinas” have come agonizingly close to a real shot at glory over the last decade or so at major international competitions. They hope to surpass their own expectations this time around!
In terms of headaches for head coach Paulo Bento, his defense looks rather solid; however, Bruno Alves and Pepe (injury, fitness and/or form permitting), with a combined age of 63, certainly do not form the youngest CB partnership among the 32 teams competing. Their lack of pace (especially in Bruno Alves’ case) coupled with Pepe’s trademark lapses of concentration and being caught out of position could prove to be their undoing.
Moreover, João Pereira and Fábio Coentrão are both very attack-minded SBs and, while they fit coach Bento’s strategy perfectly, their recurring forward runs often leave gaping holes either side of their defense.
Therefore, in light of the aforementioned defensive worries, it’s no surprise to find out that in the 27 games Portugal have played over the last 2 years, they have averaged (approximately) a 1.04 ratio of goals-conceded-per-game (GCG). Excluding friendlies, the ratio drops slightly to 0.88; which is still almost one goal PER game and, quite simply, not good enough.
In midfield, coach Bento has a very reliable choice of midfielders, all of whom are very talented and experienced. In fact, only a few teams competing at the WC can confidently boast such a midfield-trio, and much of Portugal’s success will depend on these players; for their positional play will be vital in protecting their somewhat leaky defense, while their vision, technique and passing (both short & long) will dictate the pace, flow and rhythm of their play going forward.
Without a doubt, Portugal tend to play in a pure counter-attacking manner under coach Bento, and it’s no secret that, given their choice of wingers, it will mainly be a case of running the channels and delivering ball after ball into the box to their target man. They like to invite pressure way deep into their own half and then launch blitz-fast counters; often catching opposition defenders off-guard.
Coach Bento places a considerable emphasis on set-pieces and he commands a very strict set-up in dead-ball situations; always trying to maximize their goal-scoring potential every time Portugal are fouled or get a corner.
Another aspect of play that should worry opposing teams is Portugal’s clear desire to shoot from distance every time space opens up in the middle of the park; as they have a large contingent of players with excellent shooting abilities and have proven, time and again, to be able to score absolute screamers.
Admittedly, a lot of work has to be done before Portugal even kick a ball at the actual WC and the degree to which coach Bento addresses his team’s weaknesses will reflect on their performances and how far they end up going in the competition.
Main man (how difficult :P): Cristiano Ronaldo: The man who almost single-handedly gave Portugal the ticket to Brazil will now want to lead his national team to more glory and cap an amazing year for him. His team surely have the elements necessary for success (compare Messi’s situation with Argentina!) and it’s time for him to shine on the international forefront. Again, no need to mention his footballing attributes!
Odds (average from top 24 betting firms): 27.41667
Ahmad Al-Omar - 5. Jun, 09:52
