FIFA World Cup Football 2010- 5 reasons why Portugal may prove better than Spain
When these two European power houses meet each other for a spot in the quarter finals, a relishing encounter is to be expected. It is a perfect treat for football fans as Europe’s top talent would clash to prove each other better. Spain, with star studded performers and renowned players against a promising Portuguese side, who thrashed Korea DPR 7-0, and are yet to concede a single goal.
According to many pundits and experts, Portugal may reign supreme over the Spanish due to a number of reasons:
The first and undeniable reason for such a prediction is the presence of a certain Mr. Ronaldo in the Portuguese side. Love him or hate him, he is considered to be one of the very best in the business. With his pace, skill and lethal finishing ability, Ronaldo has the talent to single headedly turn the game on his head. He is also well acquainted with the Spanish style of play as he plays in La Liga’s biggest club, Real Madrid. He would face his team mate Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos and Arbeloa, and is well aware of their technique. No matter how many men mark him, Ronaldo is slippery and can get past anyone, and any one of his magical runs will easily take down the Spanish defence.
Secondly, Portuguese enjoy the best defence in the World Cup so far. Having scored seven goals in three matches, Portugal is yet to concede a single goal. They frustrated the likes of Ivory Coast and Brazil, with breaking Brazil’s record of never failing to score a goal since 1978 in any World Cup. This may well prove to be the differences between the two sides, as Spain has already conceded twice. Portuguese are yet to be defeated as well.
Portugal also won’t be lacking any confidence when they face the Spanish. They climbed out of the Group of Death in emphatic fashion, undefeated and enjoying the biggest score line of this World Cup. They also frustrated the 5 times champions to a goal less draw, and showed promised and skill against them. Brazil has always been favourites in all World Cups and are the team to beat if anyone is to win any World Cup. Portugal faced the toughest of opponents, as they were in the most difficult group. They would therefore be booming with confidence when they face the La Roja Fura. Spain has however lost a match against an unknown Swiss, which was a huge upset, given the talent and stars the European Champions possess. Portugal may have entered this campaign with the aim to just qualify for the Round of 16, and would have therefore nothing to lose.
Portugal lacks a world class finisher in the centre, and relies heavily on the services of its wingers. Both Simao and Ronaldo have the ability to disrupt any defence with pace and technique. The right and left backs of Spain are not too sharp in defence, and would be given a hard time by these two sprinters. These two also have the ability to score goals as well as provide pin point crosses to their team mates. Portugal would therefore be dangerous on it wings, and Spain would have to keep it strong. Failure to do so, and both of the winger will capitalise and find the net easily.
Lastly, Portugal is strong on set pieces. Iker Casillas has not been on top form and is weak in dealing with set pieces. This is the department where Portugal are most lethal, having Deco and of course Ronaldo at their side. Both have a natural ability to curl the ball and find the back of the net. Casillas may have celebrated Ronaldo’s free kick goals when they both play for Real Madrid. The situation is not the same here as Ronaldo will test Casillas with his near perfect free kicks, and Casillas may have a hard time denying Ronaldo. His free kicks don’t give keepers much of a chance if he gets them right. Spain on the other hand lacks quality in free kicks with Xavi only being the decent free kick taker. Ronaldo is better than him in this department hands down, and therefore are superior in this department as well.
Whatever may well be the case, the match would prove to be a promising one for both the teams. Spain has the quality and string of individual performers who can win it for them any time. Portugal on the other hand has Ronaldo and Co. and has already faced tougher opposition than Spain in the World Cup so far. They are yet to concede a goal and are the obvious favourites in the bout. Spain has been shaky in the World Cup so far, and is yet to prove the quality Argentina, Brazil, Netherlands and Portugal have shown.
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