Scolari praises strong dutch side

He’s right… Just hope POR’s attack is finelly tuned for next sunday… No room for mistakes (like the one from where the MEX goal originated) and etc…

FORCA PORTUGAL

Posted from  Netherlands

Van Nistelrooy may not even start gentleman. The bonds coach, Van Bastian, is disapointed with his play and is openly discussing starting Dirk Kuyt in his place. I think Kuyt matches better againt the Portegese.

Posted from  Canada

Right Pedro.
There are some interesting sidelights to this match-up.
There is the Van Nesterol/Ronaldo bad blood incedent from their bust up at ManU.
Also we have Robben and Carvalho/Ferriera being club team mates. Plus Van De SAr and Ronaldo also being club mates.
I’m hoping Carvalho and the boys can have an edge on Robben because they should know his tendences (to the left always??)..
Same with the ManU guys.
I guess the downside is that the reverse is true…. hmmmmm Could be very interesting?
What do you guys think?

Posted from  Canada

Our backs wont be able to get as far forward as usual. They have to control the wings from end to end. Robben is an artist when he’s on and while V. Persie is young tempestuous, he shouldn’t be under estimated.

We have to control midfield and hold their break. N. Valente and Miguel will play more of a midfield role to help Costinha hold the counter. Besides that, we have to make sure there are no sloppy seconds in the box. V. Nistleroy is a vulture. Any unclaimed balls will end up in the net.

Maniche seems to be hitting his form. That’s key because along with Deco he will push the game forward into the dutch end. The longer we keep them pinned down the better which means we have to see much more of that much talked about Portuguese offense. Oh and Pauleta needs an early goal.

All those club relationships are interesting. Bottom line, these two teams know each other well. Should be a cracker of a game. If you have a favorit saint, then it won’t hurt to ask for a little luck and blessing from now on.

Força Portugal!

Posted from  United States

For what I saw yesterday, Holland has very good central defenders, but not so good back wingers. Miguel showed the world 2 years ago he’s well enough for Robben. And HOL kinda depends on Robben…

Positioning, Holland was strong yesterday, for such a young team. They will try to explore our weakeness in the air, using their main strength – the wings – to generate corners.

I’m also expecting a team that will allow a lot of space, BUT, in the first half will try to make a heavy man-to-man marking.

I believe the diference will be made on the defense/attack transition. Their attack can be very strong, like ours. I still beileve we have some advantage there. Too theorical to be considered.

Plus, unlike others so far, THEY don’t dive and don’t make too many nasty fouls. Which will put US in that uncoomfortable spot – the guys the ref doesn’t give the benefit of the doubt. So they will try to provoque as many as they can, also cos van Persie’s free-kick is well in the minds of the dutch…

This is, of course, a danger to Deco, as the guy is like a magnet when it comes to cards…

Posted from  Netherlands

Hello my Portuguese brothers. Well, now that my team is out I am throwing my support behind my surrogate country. My Portuguese wife is sad for me, but still continues to wear her POR jersey around the house….so, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.

Pedro P> Which colours will you be wearing on Sunday?

i kinda a bit worried for portugal..if da match is not goin our way we have only simao and nuno gomes as experience replacements to turn da game around..i strongly feel tt pauleta have to step up..he never performs when portugal needs him da most..

Posted from  Singapore

magnus – give Pauleta a chance he scored in one of the two games he’s played so far. We are all aware of this record in the Euro. Lets hope this time is different

Posted from  United States

I am very surprised that portugal only has 4 Cup appearances under its belt.

Scolari will definately lead the way to a very good finish.

Posted from  United States

Soze: What do you mean which colours will I wear…? I live in NL, I like the dutch side, but I am portuguese from head to toe… The people around are still chronically affraid of our team, althought they don’t admit it. Overall, they see it as HOL is stronger than 2 years ago and POR weaker. Hope they’re wrong. Thanks for your support and pitty you didn’t make it yesterday.

Fabio: Portugal has been quite weak in the WC’s, over the past years. Good shows in the euro have mot been together with the same performance in the WC – twice unqualified + twice home early.

I believe if we beat Holland, than we’re in a good position to make life dificult to “the usual suspects”.

Posted from  Netherlands

Holland may have lost the semi finals two years ago against Portugal, but it pay back time!!! Do not forget you don’t have the advantage of playing in your own country anymore and don’t forget your appearance during the finils of Euro 2004: losing the game against Greece!?
Holland will win for sure.

Aanvalluhhhhhhh!!!!!

Posted from  Netherlands

Royeltee: France lost against Greece, Czech lost against Greece, etc, POR lost against Greece and NL wasn’t anywhere near the form POR showed, 2 years ago. By the way, it’s not just the semi’s you lost. You lost you WC02 qualification, when you were defeated 2-0 (in HOL) by us and when you allowed us to draw 2-2 (in Portugal), after having a 2-0 lead.

Past IS past. These teams now are different that those others, back then. You are very good.

What van Basten has to say about sunday’s match (in portuguese):

http://www.abola.pt/wset/wdia.htm

Posted from  Netherlands

I don’t agree that Portugal is weaker than 2 years ago, on the contrary the team shows much more structure and mental strenght than before, they seem to have replaced the unnecessary technical gestures for a far more controlled and efficient play. The team has gained a lot in experience from the Euro. I like Holland’ play but honestly think that we have far more skillfull and creative players than them who can control the possession in midfield. I wouldn’t risk to pick the winner but can guarantee that Holland will face a more dangerous team than the one they faced 2 years ago

Forca rapazes!!!!!!!

Posted from  United Kingdom

I’m with you, Philippe!

FORCA PORTUGAL!!!

Posted from  Netherlands

You can count me in also!

FORCA PORTUGAL!

Posted from  Canada

Go Portugal!!!

Posted from  Canada

Micha – you are welcome to criticize our football all you want. But do it without being offensive to our culture or I will simply delete your comments. And one post is enough, you don’t have to post the same dribble on every thread. You may not like it, but I have faith in the higher power of the delete button!

Posted from  United States

Micha – Not that it’s any of your business, but I’m not a church going man. I respect all faiths and cultures, but I don’t even consider myself a believer in a higher power. My references make perfect sense to anyone with a little exposure to our culture. It obvious you have no idea what I’m talking about, but that’s ok. We’re just an unimportant little country on the tip of Europe, no need to learn anything about us.

I do however believe and have all the faith in the world in the 23 men on our side + the fantastic coaching staff at Scolari’s disposal.

Why do you find it so offensive that we believe in ourselves? Sorry, but we were raised to be unafraid. It’s up to you to prove on Sunday that we aren’t good enough to succeed. Should we lose, I will be the first to congratulate you and all your fans on a job well done, but until then we have just as much right to dream as any one else.

Posted from  United States

Micha,

Are you still bitter from Euro 2004? Poor thing.

May the best team win on Sunday…

Posted from  United States

Micha,

May the best, more skillfull, experienced and united team win that’s the beauty of soccer! U NEED TO LET BYGONES BE BYGONES! Plenty for us to be bitter about as well, but instead we rally behind our team!

VIVA PORTUGAL—-C.RONALDO IS #1

Posted from  United States