EURO 2012 Qualification – Match Preview: Norway versus Portugal
Norway are all prepared to take on Euro 2004 hosts Portugal in their second qualification match from Group H. The Norwegian national team failed to qualify for the FIFA 2010 World Cup, which was held in South Africa, thus the Viking nation is more than eager to make up for lost chances by securing qualification for the European Championships of 2012.
On the other hand, Portugal have had quite a history of their own in the European Championship competitions, as they hosted the tournament in 2004 and made it all the way to the final match only to be defeated by the eventual winners Greece. They also performed admirably in Euro 2008 but were unsuccessful in proceeding past the quarterfinal stage, where they were defeated by two goals to three by the finalists of the tournament, Germany.
In the FIFA 2010 World Cup, Portugal displayed their efficiency again as they earned qualification from the group of death, which included teams such as the South American giants Brazil and Ivory Coast along with Asian underdogs North Korea. After drawing two of their three group games and winning their match against North Korea by a convincing seven goals without conceding a reply, Portugal qualified for the next stage of the competition.
However, the Portuguese faltered at the round of sixteen stage, where they lost by a single goal to their Iberian rivals and ultimate World Champions Spain. Norway, who are Portugal’s scheduled opponents on Tuesday, 7th of September 2010, began their qualification campaign with a well fought two goals to one win over Iceland in their first away match of the qualifications stages.
Norway’s opponents Portugal, on the other hand, are going through a bit of a blue patch right now, as they only managed to draw with Cyprus even after scoring four goals in the match. Portuguese defence is under criticism after they gave a porous performance against Cyprus in Portugal’s qualification opener.
Ex-Manchester United striker and Norwegian international striker, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already come out and said that it will be a big test for Norway because of Portugal’s competitive nature. He also added that Norway’s chances lay in their approach to the game, which should be based around a quick tempo. He further praised the Portuguese team by saying that Portugal are one of the greatest teams in the world right now, and therefore, Norway will have to be realistic about their chances to win the match.
Ole elaborated by saying that Portugal will end up as winners of the group eventually but Norway have a good chance of finishing second to them in the group. He said that Norway’s success lies in their ability to be positive on the field. After drawing four all at home against Cyprus, Portuguese defence looks like their Achilles heel something that Norway will be looking to exploit. Portugal’s Carlos Queiroz is currently suspended and therefore Agostinho Oliveira will guide the team against Norway. Following the draw against Cyprus, Oliveira accepted the fact that there was a lack of competence in Portuguese defence, something that is seldom seen.
Portugal, who are without their captain Cristiano Ronaldo, are being lead temporarily by the Real Madrid centre back Ricardo Carvalho. Ricardo said after the Cyprus game that Portugal started badly but failed to win the match despite getting themselves into a winning position. Norway are currently coached by Olsen, who will be keeping the same squad, which won against Iceland, whereas Portugal will be without their left back Fabio Coentrao, owning to an injury he sustained against Cyprus.
As the game is in Norway, Portugal will be expected to field a defensive team with two defensive midfielders but they will still be favourites to get the victory against Norway, who failed to qualify for the European Championships of 2008.
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