FIFA World Cup 2010, Group G: Portugal vs Brazil - Match Preview
June 25, 2010 will see a mouth-watering encounter in the World Cup. There have been several upsets and big names making an exit from the World Cup, such as the two finalists from the previous tournament, France and Italy. However, nothing can compare to the Friday encounter between Portugal and Brazil.
It’s the big one, the match everyone has been talking about ever since the World Cup draws came out. Group G was dubbed as the ‘group of death’, with the two giants of the game together in the same group. However, both have already all but assured their place in the round of 16. Now it’s time to know who has the mettle to come on top in the ultimate match.
Brazil till now have been a dominant force; their first outing against North Korea was convincing to say the least. However, everyone knew that there was a whole lot more to come from the 5 time world champions, and the 2nd match against Ivory Coast was when they really came into their own. There was the familiar samba flair the world has become so used to over the years, the drive and hunger to score as many goals as they possibly could. With the convincing 3-1 win, Brazil once again vindicated their tag of being default favourites to win the World Cup.
While looking at Portugal, they were disappointing in their first match against Ivory Coast. There was no coordination between players, and the wingers were not able to time their runs according to the full back’s cue, while midfield was a total disaster. They were lucky to come away with a nil nil draw. The next match, though, was a whole different story. Portugal came out as if they wanted to prove a point; after their first outing, many had counted them out of the running for the World Cup. There was some of the best football of the tournament on display in their match against North Korea. They scored no less than 7 goals on the night, their biggest win ever, and also sent out a big message to Brazil that they are ready for the clash.
The last time these two teams met in a World Cup was more than 4 decades ago, but it sure was a match heavy on goals; Portugal came out 3-1 winners that day. And this one is also expected to be a free scoring game, as both teams have been eager to score goals rather than sit and play the waiting game.
Portugal will once again be heavily dependent on their captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who also got his first goal of the tournament in the free for all against North Korea. Ronaldo has long been criticised of not having the same level of confidence at the International level which he has shown for years at Manchester United and the last season at Real Madrid, which are 2 of the biggest clubs in the world of football. So he, for one, would have a lot to prove and no doubt will go all out. In centre of midfield, Simao has been phenomenal; after being left out in the first game, he was instrumental against North Korea. His brilliant passes, which the front men fed on, were exquisite. And not to forget, Portugal had 7 different goal scorers in the last game. That means most of the players in the team have tasted blood, and they are hungry for more.
For Brazil though, Kaka (who got a red card and is suspended from this game) will be a huge miss; Ronaldo’s teammate at Real Madrid was really finding his feet in the last game against Ivory Coast. Kaka was involved in 2 of the 3 goals that Brazil scored, so Portugal will breathe a sigh of relief that he will be missing out on the match. Robinho has been lively and up front he is likely to start; he seems to have found his flair since going back to Brazil after a disruptive time in England. Luis Fabiano has been the man most likely to score goals; he has been in great form and if fed correctly from the midfield, he can be a real menace. Elano, who enjoyed a good time at Manchester City, has also scored in both matches. His composure while facing the goal is phenomenal. Portugal are sure to have their hands full with a strike force like this.
After taking all these things into account, football fans from around the world brace themselves for what is touted to be a true clash of the titans. Let’s hope it is a free flowing and high scoring game.
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