Euro 2012
2012-06-27 - Portugal vs Spain
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
Portugal takes on defending Champions Spain for a spot in the final of Euro 2012 when they meet in the semi-finals at the Donbass Arena tonight. Both sides have managed three consecutive wins and are aiming to reach the final on Sunday night.
No doubt Spain will start as the favourites after their quarter-final win against France. Portugal on the other hand beat Czech Republic to progress to set up the clash with Spain.
For the record, Spain have met Portugal 34 times - more than any other side - winning 16 times and losing just six.
However, Paulo Bento believes patience is key if his Portugal side are going to find a way past the title holders and current World Champion in Donetsk. Bento admitted they will be up against the team that has played better then all the other teams in the competition so far. And he stated it will be about patience asthey know what they have to do to put pressure on Spain in the right areas of the pitch. He did stated that they do not intend to defend all the time as it is not possible to do that against the World and European Champions. Bento admit it is not going to be easy but said Spain knows they can also cause them problems. It is easy for Portugal to get motivated as they are in the semi-finals and Bento admitted there cannot be a more beautiful chance then the one they have today.
Ronaldo will be the man to watch once again as he has scored three goals in Portugal's last two games and is one goal from setting his country's all-time European Championship scoring record, at seven. However, he has never scored against Spain in two previous competitive fixtures.
Meanwhile Spain's coach Vicente del Bosque said they intend to throw Ronaldo off his game citing the best example of the second round win at the World Cup, where they managed the better result. Back then they beat Portugal 1-0 in Johannesburg and went on to win the World Cup. For the record, Spain has won its last six knockout round games at major tournaments by a combined score of 7-0. And even though the team is not scoring a lot of goals, they have shown they have what it tas to break down opponents who nearly always 'park the bus', or take a completely defensive approach.
Del Bosque admitted hewould preer it if they stay in their own half and that way the ca keep the possession. Even though he said they have players who can provide alternatives to their attack but he would prefer it if they adopt a defensive approach so they can have solutions to overcome that.
Team News :
Portugal Team News :
Real Zaragoza frontman Postiga has been ruled out with a thigh injury, therefore coach Bento will be unable to field the same starting line-up which he has used in the last six competitive matches. Besiktas forward Hugo Almeida is expected to replace him in attack, with 20-year-old Nelson Oliveira, who has come on as a substitute three times in the tournament, to start from the bench once again.
Almeida will be flanked in the Portuguese attack by Cristiano Ronaldo, who splendid displays against the Netherlands and the Czechs played a big part in sending them to the last four.
Spain Team News :
Del Bosque reported no new injury problems following the quarter-final victory against France. However, he must decide whether to start the game again without a recognised striker and allow Cesc Fabregas to go forward. Otherwise,Fernando Torres could lead the attack, while Pedro could also get a start in the Spain midfield.
Predictions :
Take Portugal and accept the 1/2 ball and expect some Ronaldo magic in this match.
The Pick :
Portugal 1-1 Spain
BEST BETTING TIP :
Main BET :Go for the DRAW in this match.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Portugal and accept the 1/2 ball.
