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Probable starting 11

June 21st, 2006 | By: Luis | 9 Comments »

The sports daily, O Record, released a list of the possible starting 11 for Portugal’s match against Mexico tomorrow. They predict Scolari will pick the following players:

Ricardo
Miguel,Ricardo Carvalho, Fernando Meira, Paulo Ferreira
Petit, Maniche
Figo, Tiago e Simão
Nuno Gomes

For Mexico, the paper suggests these will be the most likely starters:

Sanchez
Marquez, Osorio e Salcido
Mendez, Torrado, Perez, Pardo e Pineda
Bravo e Franco

I expect a tough fight with one team eventually wearing down their opponent. Both teams appear to be up to the challenge and they clearly want the full 3 points. Finishing top of the group will give the winner an extra days rest and avoid an early confrontation with a red hot Argentina. Holland has a say in this, however, if they pull off the upset against Argentina.

I think Portugal has all the conditions to win this match, but Mexico should not be underestimated. Portugal may already be through to the second round but this win is important to maintain our psychology of continuous improvement. Oh and we wouldn’t mind giving Angola a hand either. Our favorite African team needs to score at least 1 goal while holding Iran, and a 2 goal margin of victory from Portugal to advance. It’s an outside chance, but wouldn’t it be sweet to see Angola in the round of 16.

Hear that Bob? You’re not the only one cheering for Angola.

Força Angola! Força Portugal!

Tags: Mexico, Portugal, Starting 11

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Comments

By sandy | June 21st, 2006 at 2:56 am

I agree! I would love to see Angola there.

Portugal kick ass!!

Posted from Canada

By Kelvin | June 21st, 2006 at 3:41 am

Força Portugal till the end!

Posted from Canada

By O Grande Trinco | June 21st, 2006 at 3:51 am

Yup, your line-up sounds about right.

I hope we also get to see Postiga/BoaMorte/Viana subbed in at some point to give those guys a runout. Hopefully at least BoaMorte in 2nd half for Figo! Figo’s been great, but I hope he gets some rest.

Posted from Canada

By Fabio | June 21st, 2006 at 4:59 am

You are kiding me! Angola will not make the next round. They do not deserve it as they canoot even score ONE goal.

I know the ties here, but lets get real.

Posted from United States

By Luis | June 21st, 2006 at 5:06 am

Fabio…why don’t you just chill a bit. Lets get real? What’s real in a tournament like this? Before game 1 of this group, real was Angola getting smashed by both Portugal and Mexico. That didn’t happen.

We agree that it is a long shot, but certainly not out of the realm of possibility. Angola will try to change it’s formation to get that elusive goal, which will open them to Iran’s counter-attack, but who knows. Anything can happen.

I don’t think you meant any harm with that comment, but some posters seem to be full of hostility? What’s wrong with little ole Angola having a dream? This is supposed to be fun, remember?

Posted from United States

By HurrikaneDIABLO | June 21st, 2006 at 5:22 am

Luis, what’s with you telling everyone to chill? Are you the chill police or what, bro? I aint attacking ya, but perhaps you’re the one taking things the wrong way.
What’s with the hostility? Maybe if it was Portugal that was facing elimination via “Angola having a dream,” then it would be Portugal’s fans throwing the hostile comments out there and not Mexico’s. Bob doesnt like Mexico that seems pretty clear since he’s been picking against them from the start. It’s true that it’s just a game and we are supposed to be having fun, but some fans take this quite serious.

Posted from United States

By Luis | June 21st, 2006 at 5:51 am

HD, no offense intended at all…just asking a question. I’ve been looking through the various blogs and I see a lot of hostility. Everyone is free to say and do what they please, but some of us try to argue the merits without flaming other teams or players or dreams or whatever.

I certainly am not here to tell anyone what to do or say, just offering an alternative to this heavy handed smach talkin I’m seeing all over the place.

And we PT fans have tasted enough defeat to know what it’s like to have a dying dream. I can’t speak for all PT fans, but I always go out of my way to respect our opponents and congratulate them when they play well. Hell, I even give Greece credit for getting the job done in the Euro final. Yikes, did I just say that? heh

I may not be the chill police, but I will gladly be the courtesy police. Can’t we all just get along?

Posted from United States

By Dido | June 21st, 2006 at 1:13 pm

Good answer Luis! I am sick and tired of the hostility around the blogs. The guys from Mexico blog believe that it is their “right” to qualify. Why they think so- I dont know.

anyway, Good luck on your game against Mexico

Forca Angola, Forca Portugal

Posted from United Kingdom

By divya (India) | June 21st, 2006 at 6:49 pm

I too agree Dido so many fan’s around the world believe that it is right to qualify Mexico,but i don’t think so,i can say that Mexico has scored the goal out of luck,but Portugal has scored the goal out of their real efforts.Maniche had a good start throughout the game,i think he will do the best in coming Games.Good luck for all.

Posted from India