Euro 2008 - Quaterfinals Preview: Germany vs. Portugal
June 19th 2008 14:50
After an horrible defensive performance against Croatia, the Germans have lost their status as tournament favorites and will face a much more difficult test against attack-minded Portugal. Germany's defense isn't the only problem as they prepare for the quaterfinals. Mario Gómez has been truly disappointing in the group matches and seems to have taken down Miroslav Klose along with him. Usually reliable in important situations, Klose has been virtually invisible on the pitch save for a couple of passes to his teammates. Furthermore, midfielder/striker Lukas Podolski and Torsten Frings are question marks for today's game due to injuries. Germany can take solace in the fact that they have beaten an almost-similar Portuguese side 3-0 at the 2006 World Cup.
Luis Felipe Scolari's side is primed and ready to go. Unlike Germany who have only two goalscorers (Podolski and Ballack), Portugal can count on everyone to put the ball in the back of the net. Defender Pepe poses a real threat on set-pieces while the midfield has three canons in Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco and Simao (with Nani and Quaresma on the bench). Up front, Nuno Gomes has been unlucky so far, hitting posts and the crossbar in the two games he's played, but can always set up his midfielders with smart short passes.
This game will be played in midfield and on set-pieces. Both teams are pretty good on corners and free-kicks; the midfield will be a battle between Ballack and Deco as each one will try to control the tempo of the game.
Luis Felipe Scolari's side is primed and ready to go. Unlike Germany who have only two goalscorers (Podolski and Ballack), Portugal can count on everyone to put the ball in the back of the net. Defender Pepe poses a real threat on set-pieces while the midfield has three canons in Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco and Simao (with Nani and Quaresma on the bench). Up front, Nuno Gomes has been unlucky so far, hitting posts and the crossbar in the two games he's played, but can always set up his midfielders with smart short passes.
This game will be played in midfield and on set-pieces. Both teams are pretty good on corners and free-kicks; the midfield will be a battle between Ballack and Deco as each one will try to control the tempo of the game.
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