-Spain vs Portugal Preview!-

Hey, what up folks… hope you guys are growing well as the tournament is…well, as expected the mighty Brazil won past their relatives in South American Chile to book a mouth-watering-last-eight clash against the Orenje…wow, isn’t it great? Nothing much to review on that match instead of the Samba in Brazil was BACK! Yiehaakkk..

So, back on business…this is the preview of another exciting of last-16 clash between the reigning European champions – Spain VS the European-Samba side – Portugal. To make it more interesting, we shall look at their both strengths and weaknesses…(maklumla, blaja event management..hakhak) so, shall we?

SPAIN

To be honest, this is one of the best team that plays a very beautiful football with a marvelous individual skill from every player. Name me at least 5 most influence midfield in the world nowadays, I am very positive that it should include Xavi Hernandez, Iniesta, Fabregas and not to forget Xabi Alonso. They are more than capable to generate something good from the centre of the field and IF their strikers are not performing well, they also can score a goal, more importantly a winning goal. Other strength in this Del Bosque’s squad that we can’t deny is they are naturally talented and almost perfect in every department. The nightmare of defends is to faced a challenge against the pair of David Villa’s and Fernando Torres. The “el Nino” might not scored yet, but you surely did not want him to get one – if ur not a fan of him or Spain. They also have one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Iker Casillas and also with the maturity of Puyol and the capability of Pique to protect his defend and produce a threat at the opponents net, this is almost a complete squad.

Well, in the other hand, Spain is not the un-touchable team. The Swiss had proved it in their opening match. How bout that? The biggest enemy in this team is their confident level…it is good to have a high confident –especially when you’re wearing those Spanish jersey- but don’t let it become too high, thus, the result will be another defeat. Other than that, they yet had to find their stunning-club form all over again. This was what happened to England at this entire tournament, probably their best player now is Villa’s who always produced a brilliant thing when the team was in need, but if both Xavi and Torres not recover their form, they will be in a potential early exit against a better side-in this case, it’s the Portuguese.

Player to watch – David Villa.


PORTUGAL

Well, enough said with the “Matador”, now let’s analyze behind the enemy lines. The strength of this team surely is with the present of their skipper, Christiano Ronaldo. Well, FYI, im not actually a big fan of this country, but to become a runner-up from a group of death, and to produce 7-0 victory against the North Korean, I shall said they look like a big contender now. Forget about CR7 or 9, we all know the capability of this young man, but I would like to mention about the un-song heroes in this Carlos Quieroz’s side, that would be Raul Meireles. He is playing very well in the big won, he scored the opener and produced in the build-up of the others, and every time he step forward, he always produced a threat. The other thing that could worry the Spanish is the Portuguese went into the knockout stage without any goal against them. A goalless draw against Ivory-Coast and Brazil showed how strong their backline was and please watch this young player – Contretras – the left fullback who was so impressive in this tournament.

However, to beat the European Champ, the Portuguese need to look back upon a few things. First, their formation. Putting Pepe as a holding midfield player was never a good decision. We know that some centre-back have that capability to fill in that role, but not Pepe. I would like also to see Mr. Quieroz to put CR7 back at the winger position where he was grown to play there. He’s is good as a centre forward, but he can be better when he got his space at the side- which he had already shown for so many time.

Player to watch – Christiano Ronaldo

So, the key for tonight game is the midfield battle. If, Thiago could stop the domination of the Spanish trio – Xavi, Iniesta and Alonso from influencing the game, that should be interesting. Well folks, enjoy the game, lot’s more drama to come and let’s not hope it not coming from the referees. Till then, word up! p/s…no MAD-nesday for this week. Huhuhu.
regards, -Mr.C-