Portugal

Portugal has good or very good players in every position and on the left wing they have the best player in the world. They’re not the favorites to lift the trophy but they are too strong to be regarded as one of the dark horses.

Making space for Ronaldo

Whether you like it or not, Portugal’s game is shaped around Cristiano Ronaldo with other players making foundations for him to give his best. That’s why many thought he single-handedly won both games against Sweden and thus Portugal qualified to the World Cup. But there are other dimensions of their game.

Of course, Ronaldo is the most important player. Cutting inside from the left wing or playing as a lone centre forward he is a constant threat to opposition’s defensive lines. Carlos Quieroz, former Portugal coach thought he might set his team up ultradefensively and give Ronaldo more space but the plan backfired with Portugal scoring only against North Korea four years ago.

Defence – thumbs up

Paulo Bento is more of an expansive coach but he also puts safety first and orders his team to generally stay deep. But that doesn’t make Portugal less of a threat. In midfield they have creative Joao Moutinho, who was a star player during the Euro 2012.

Much has been said about Portugal’s perennial lack of a proper striker but the number nine position. Helder Postiga is not the best striker (he played in only 20 league games this season for Valencia and Lazio), but he can absorb defenders and give Ronaldo more space to attack.

Portugal’s back line generally stays the same since Euro 2012. Joao Pereira of Valencia on the right, Pepe and Bruno Alves in the middle and Fabio Coentrao on the left. They are all still in their peak years with the latter being 26 and the rest around 30-31.

There is though one significant change in Bento’s team comparing to Euro 2012. Miguel Veloso had a solid tournament two years ago, but now he will be replaced but yet another Portugal’s diamond – William Carvalho.

New Busquets?

Sporting’s midfielder emerged this year as one of the most promising players in Europe with clubs like Real Madrid or Manchester United scouting him for the past couple of months. He returned in last year’s summer to Sporting after an extended loan at Cercle Brugge and was immediately spotted by manager Leonardo Jardim and asked to play as the holding midfielder.

Sporting managed to break the Benfica-Porto first and second place duopoly this season, by finishing only behind their derby rivals. Carvalho not only did start almost every game, but also he was a vital part of that team. Above all he showed rare composure and calmness on the ball. He was soon spotted by Bento who gave him a debut in important play-off game against Sweden.

Comparisons to Sergio Busquets were also raised with Carvalho’s propensity to pass the ball short and position himself between defenders to start attacks. With Moutinho and Raul Meireles alongside him, Portugal is very strong in the middle of the park.

Playing style

Portugal likes to play an energetic, counter attacking football, which makes them equally efficient and attractive. Bento utilises a 4-3-3 formation but also tries other options – 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2. In the latter he gives Cristiano Ronaldo the number nine position.

Coach

Paulo Bento is a former Portugal international. After retiring in 2004 he started coaching youth teams at Sporting and year later he was named manager of the club until 2009. In 2010 he was appointed coach of the Portugal national team.

Schedule and BETEGY predictions

16th June, Salvador: vs, Germany (1-2)

22nd June, Manaus: vs. USA (2-1)

26th June, Brasilia: vs. Ghana (1-1)

Portugal are likely to qualify to the knockout stages (51%). With Ghana being on par with them, it might be a case of advancing thanks to a better goal difference. In the Round of 16, Portugal should meet Belgium and win 2-1. Their quarterfinals game against Portugal has a marking of a classic with the South American team projected victory of 3-2.