Portugal – 2 v Netherlands – 1 On to the Quarters!

June 20th, 2012 | by: Paulo | Comments(46)

We did it everyone. We have lived up to expectations and we are through to the quarter finals. Survived the group of death again and progressed with class. And most importantly of all we progressed as a complete TEAM. So much in the buildup to this tourney was whether Ronaldo could carry Portugal through the group. Well, every single player has pulled their weight so far and has played outstanding. Including our talisman Cristiano who decided it was the perfect time for him to get on the score sheet.  After a rough start, the first goal by Rafael Van De Vaart was the kick in the ass our players needed.  The Dutch came out and threw the first punch, but we countered (literally) with a few haymakers.  Ronaldo looked on his game early as he made a good run and struck the post.  Postiga also got into a few good positions in the eighteen, but couldn’t muster anything.  At last when we had the Dutch on their heels and deep in their half, Pereira cut in from the right and provided a stellar through ball with the outside of his right foot slicing the Dutch defense like warm butter.  Ronaldo made a smart run and got on the end of it while coolly placing it in the bottom corner.  It was the perfect response for the Sellecao.  It gave us the confidence we needed to attack while also making the Dutch even more desperate since they needed to win by two.  We continued to turn up the tempo of the game and should have extended the lead on multiple occasions all while putting  Sneijder, Robben, Van Persie, and Huntelaar off their game with pressure defending.  Finally the dagger came to the Netherland’s as Pepe made a good tackle outside the box, Ronaldo laid the ball off for Moutinho and our counter attack was off and running with vengeance.  Moutinho carried the ball for 20 yards before springing Nani down the right wing.  The Manchester United winger galloped past the Dutch like they were standing still before proving a mesmerizing low pass across the field to Ronaldo for an easy goal.  And there you have it.  Portugal move on with a 2-1 victory over a struggling, but still strong Dutch side and the Czech Republic await!

Patricio- 7/10: Rui has had a fantastic tournament. Couldn’t do anything on the goal, but other than that he has come out of his goal to grab crosses when he needs to and has been staying put to make save after save. Patricio will be our keeper for the next decade it seems.

Pereira- 9/10: That through ball to Ronaldo was majestic. And the way the Netherlands were sitting back after scoring first proved that it would take something like that to break through. And oh how important that pass was. Let’s not forget how he stopped Sneijder and Willems down the right as well. I’d say Valencia got a steal after picking Joao up for just around $4 million.

Alves- 7/10: Looked a little shaky in the beginning, but another solid game from Bruno. Nothing really gets passed him in the air, and his passing out of the back was much improved. If he can play smart long balls out of the back, it helps our attack immensely.

Pepe- 7/10: Another terrific showing from Pepe. I swear Huntelaar vanished from the pitch for 70 minutes and Van Persie couldn’t get an inch of daylight with the Real Madrid man bearing down on him time and time again. He just covers so much space and his tackles really jumpstarted our counter attacks.

Coentrao- 6.5/10: Once again ust another solid performance from Coentrao. He put a brick wall up on Robben and again had some lethal runs in the attacking third. Could have easily scored one as well. Fabio is really enjoying another fine tournament.

Veloso- 7/10: When Veloso has his head in the game and stays concentrated there is no one better in the middle. His passing is spot on, and he has kept a cool head without making any outlandish tackles. HE needs to stay up ahead of the back line a little farther when we are defending deeply, but other than that he is playing great.

Meireles- 6.5/10: Another typical performance from Raul. Pressed well and made smart passes while in possession. Again wasn’t as lethal on the counter attack, but his ability to watch Moutinho’s back while he presses high has worked to perfection.

Moutinho- 7.5/10: Astounding play from Moutinho. He has prven to be one of the best decision makers on the counter holding the ball right until the defender bites and then finding Ronaldo or NAni in space. Joao is playing to his potential this tournament and it is a sight to see.

Nani- 6.5/10: Missed a few glorious opportunities at goal, but I know the goals will come for Nani. His killer passes have been amazing so far, especially with his ability to link up with Ronaldo both on the distribution and receiving end.

Postiga- 6/10: Pretty good game by Helder. Again he pressed the Dutch defense when he could, but his first touch has to be better. Too many times he tries to bring the ball back to his right when he as a good look at goal with his left. Postiga has been an important player for Portugal so far though regardless.

Ronaldo- 9/10: Now that is the performance we have been waiting for from Cristiano. He found space to receive the ball and actually did positive things with it. Broke his shackles in front of goal and finished most of his chances cooly. Could you imagine if Ronaldo would have gotten his two to go in that his the post? Four goals against the Dutch? Oh well, let’s just say he’s saved a few for later in the tournament.

Oliveira- 6/10:  Again solid play from Nelson and should have had a goal to his name.  He countered well and you could tell he really wanted the ball.  His confidence is building.

Custodio- 5.5/10:  Came on for Meireles and assumed a defensive mid role in a 4-2-3-1 system.  He defended well and made some good tackles.  His passing was a bit lackadaisical however.

Rolando- 5.5/10:  Came on to assure the victory.  He looked very strong in the air and no one is getting through our back line with Rolando, Alves, and Pepe on the prowl.

Portugal have put in a complete team effort and look extremely confident heading into their quarter final game against the Czech Republic. We faced the Czech’s last in Euro 2008 group stage and won 3-1, so a repeat performance would be well received. Czech Republic have recovered well after their opening 4-1 defeat against Russia to pull out a 2-1 victory over Greece and a surprising 1-0 win over Poland. The Czech’s will be no push over with their key player’s Pilar and Baros having a stellar tournament in their own right. Their manager Bilec has made some terrific defensive adjustments to help them become more organized at the back. Also, their captain Tomas Rosicky may suit up again for them after picking up an Achilles injury, and we all know what kind of danger he poses through the middle of the pitch. Portugal will again need to keep possession of the ball and use their lethal counter attack like we have in the last couple games. FORCA PORTUGAL!!