The 2012
UEFA European Football Championship began with a thrilling draw,
between the co-hosts Poland and the 2004 champions Greece and it was
followed by a thumping 4-1 victory for Russia over Czech Republic.
However, the fourth match of Euro 2012 is going to be the first
occasion where two teams tipped to be the favourites from Group B
(colloquially termed as the 'Group of Death') will go face to face.
Germany is a star studded team, with the likes of Özil,
Schweinsteiger, Muller and Lahm, among several others. Portugal may
not have such a team but they have their captain, Cristiano Ronaldo,
who is probably the best attacking player in the game right now.
GERMANY
They
definitely start as the favourites for the match with their strong
defence, solid midfied, with Schweinsteiger and Khedira and a
flamboyant attack, with Özil, Muller, Podolski and Gomez. Their
creative style of play and good passing is definitely an asset
against a meek Portuguese defence. Özil would definitely be the
key-man in providing the through balles to Muller, Podolski and
Gomez. A weak link of Germany is in either of their full back
positions. Lahm may be able to cover up for either of the flanks but
the question is, who will take up the other position? It is likely to
be Boateng, but I'm not all that confident about his abilities in the
full-back position.
Likely
line-up:
Neuer
Boateng-Badstuber-
Mertesacker-Lahm ( C )
Khedira-Shweinsteiger
Muller-Özil-Podolski
Gomez
PORTUGAL
While
many have heard of only one name in this team, Cristiano Ronaldo, his
contribution alone won't be enough. Besides, his past performances
for the national side hasn't been all that impressive, compared to
his achievements at Real Madrid. He does have the support of the
equally tricky attacking midfielder, Nani and a good midfield with a
proper blend of both creativity in Meireles and Moutinho and defence
in Veloso. Meireles may not have been at his best during his season
at Chelsea but he does have the potential. However, the crucial
aspect of the game, the defence, is not up to the mark in Portugal's
case and the retirement of Ricardo Carvalho has only made things
worse. It would be interesting to see Paulo Bento's tactics to put up
with the formidable German attack.
Likely
line-up:
Rui
Patricio
Pereira-Alves-Pepe-Coentrão
Moutinho-Veloso-Meireles
Ronaldo( C )-Postiga-Nani
Prediction
Both
teams would definitely be looking to take an early advantage in the
group of death and Portugal would also look forward to avenge their
defeat in the quarter-final against the Germans in 2008. I do feel
that Portugal have enough quality to upset the odds. I believe
Ronaldo would rise to the occasion and help his team grab the vital
win.
Likely
score: Portugal 3-1 Germany
Have a
nice day,
Andy
