The Navigators host the European minnows in Braga, where they will look to continue their stupendous form under http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Paulo-c29431 Bento.
Portugal:
Cristiano Ronaldo and co. brushed Luxembourg aside to claim a 2-1 victory, with the Real Madrid man also among the goals.
Being favourites as they are to secure a place for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Brazil-c2858 2014, the Seleccao will be raring to go when the Milli Komanda come to visit.
Braga has always been a strong fortress for the Euro 2012 semi-finalists and considering the opposition lined up against them, a victory for the hosts looks likely at this point.
Azerbaijan:
The Azerbaijanis have come a long way in their short footballing history, which is reflected by their recent 1-1 draw with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Israel-c2925.
At one point, the team were used to being thrashed around by the Middle-Eastern side, but now progress is clearly being made with the kind of results churned out in recent times.
Team News:
Portugal:
Bento’s troops are nearly at their full strength for this one and will look to make quick work of their opponents, whose task will be to avoid a rout.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Cristiano-Ronaldo-c9629 is the obvious danger man and the attacker was amongst the goals in the last game.
With a foray into his Madrid career, the former Ballon D’Or holder has been criticized heavily in the media and so a sensational display would do wonders to quell the headlines at the moment.
Though his decision not to celebrate for Los Blancos raised a lot of questions after netting against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Nani-c27299 into commenting that everything was okay with the expert marksman.
"Ronaldo's fine. Haven't you seen him? He's not sad, he's fine."
The Manchester United wingman may not have the spotlight on the International arena, but will take a familiar berth on the right, while Helder Postiga will continue his task of scoring goals as the lone forward.
Joao Moutinho’s impressive Euro 2012 form seems to have continued in recent weeks, with the midfielder showing ample snippets of his talent that almost landed him a move to Tottenham Hotspur.
Down but not out is the word for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Portugal-c2984’s plans as they look dominate
the middle of the park and keep the ball to themselves.
Defence is one of the country’s strong points. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Bruno-Alves-c8108 all form the strong backline, which will be difficult to break down especially for the meager attacking options of the Azerbaijanis.
Furthermore, the added presence of Rui Patricio could make life difficult for the visitors as they look to secure a place in their first major tournament.
Azerbaijan:
Berti Vogts chose to stay in Baku despite the offer from http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Poland-c2983 in June and has since then reaped the benefits with his side continuing their progress up the European ladder.
Now faced with a tough task against the Portuguese, Azerbaijan will have the chance to strut their stuff against true world-class opposition and could make history if they overcome their opponents.
Key to that is Rashad Sadygov, the skipper who usually plays as a marauding defender. The 30-year-old is in the twilight of his career now but with bucket loads of experience under his belt, he will look to silence Postiga and Ronaldo when they come his
way.
Ali Gökdemir, Cihan Özkara, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Azerbaijan-c2845 in Braga, as they look to counter Bento’s troops and claim victory for themselves.
Key Players:
Portugal: Helder Postiga
The spot-light maybe on http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ronaldo-c31734, but Postiga proved that there is more than meets the eye with a brilliant outing last time. And the attacker will be hoping that chances come his way as he looks to cement his place in the competitive side.
Azerbaijan: Rashad Sadygov
With defence particular vulnerable, it will be up to the captain to inspire the troops and hold out for as long as they can against the Navegadores.
Prediction:
Portugal 3-0 Azerbaijan
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