U-21: Ivanović caps Portugal misery

Portugal’s U-21 team must have been under tremendous pressure to emulate the performance of their senior counterparts 2 years ago. While the loss to Seria & Montenegro might rankle the Portuguese , it vindicates Coach Scolari’s decision to drop Quaresma from the squad for the World Cup. I suppose a bunch of talented individuals does not necessarily ensure success on the international stage. It also proves the narrowing of gulf in class between traditional European football powers and the emerging countries.

Posted from  India

Although coaching is not all to blame for this loss, I feel it played a big part. Oliveira changed the starting lineup when he didn’t need to and mde bad subs at halftime. Nelson is our best outside back, and to play Valente and F. Oliveira over him was a big mistake. Valente was constanly being caught out of position and did nothin productive for us. Also, not starting Mountinho was a mistake too. ALthough he didn’t play well last game he is one of the best players, moving Nani to the middle to start Varela over him wasn’t needed. And then to top that mistake he takes Nani out at half time when he was on of the only players creating attacks. He should have brought Mountinho on and moved Nani outwide. Bringing Lourenco in did nothing, a forward for a forward. And both of those forwards were unproductive.

With that said, did anyone else feel Almeida should have jumped for the header on the line??? He definately should have been taken out, because he did absolutely nothing for us.

Well I hope this isn’t a preview of the NT, and I also hope we can pull out at least one good performance and a win, and maybe even catch a miracle and some how advance, either way Portugal need to get their act together!

Posted from  United States