Portugal vs Denmark – Euro 2012 

Decisive game for Portugal in this phase of qualification for Euro 2012 against Denmark, traditionally a difficult opponent.

Paulo Bento will have his debut as Portugal national coach in this game, which is almost bound to win, a faillure here would complicate group final standings for the Portuguese side. With only one point reached in two games, Portugal is now five points behind the leader of the group, Norway. After Simao, Deco, Paulo Ferreira and Miguel renounces from the Portuguese national team, it is time for the youngest to take their places. Silvio has done a good championship, just like João Pereira. Carlos Martins runs through the best moment of his career, like Nani, and will not be for the resignation of some key players that the team will be weakened. But in recent games, the national team is unable to display at the level that supporters require. The defeat by Norway and draw with Cyprus are evidence of the difficulties that the team goes through, the result of the controversies that also was involved but which are slowly being forgotten.

Denmark has a win against Iceland, in the only game that they played in qualifying. The team has some key players missing. The center back Agger was injured recently and may not align. Also Arsenal striker Bendtner faces a long break and will be one less headache for the Portuguese defense. Thomas Kahlenberg and Skoubo will also fail the game, the first for personal reasons, the latter due to injury. Still, they continue to have good players that play on big European clubs like Poulsen, Jensen or Rommedahl.

I strongly believe in a victory for Portugal. Controversial matters involving Carlos Queiroz and the Portuguese Football Association are “outdated”, and with the arrival of a new coach the players have a less problems to make a great game. Paulo Bento is a respected coach in Portugal and, in my opinion, the perfect choice to guide the national team towards Euro 2012. It is demanding, low-profile, and did an excellent job in Sporting Lisbon, which he left last season. Looking for the probable starters of Portugal, I see Tiago and Raul Meireles just a little below to that we expect from them. Everyone else is playing well in their clubs, and are indisputable holders in their clubs across Europe.

Ronaldo, the greatest star of the team, comes from a game where he scored 2 goals, something that did not happened long ago. It will be important that he enters the field motivated, even more for being the captain. Denmark made a feeble match against Iceland. Morten Olsen said Portugal is the favourite, stating that the fact that he won against Portugal in Alvalade was due to a little luck. Despite being an complicated opponent to Portugal in recent matches, I have full confidence in the Portuguese side. I believe we will see a good match and this will be the game where the Portuguese fans will do peace with their team.