Portugal vs Denmark – Cristiano Ronaldo only has ONE option
After drawing 4-4 at home to Cyprus and losing 1-0 away to Norway, Portugal’s chances of entering the finals of the UEFA Euro 2012 are visibly slim. In addition to their problems, Carlos Queiroz’s replacement could be the source of instability issues among the squad; but although worries are piling up in the background, hope is not gone. Fortunately, Portugal still have one man who could lead them through the dark in their qualification for the European Championship, and that man is none other than Captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Surely, for neutral football fans and Portugal followers, it is always exciting to see the world’s most famous active soccer superstar. However, in the situation where the Selecção presently are, big names with major club attainments are just priceless add-ons to a wounded army.
Stepping up is the only thing the Euro 2004 finalists need to do, and it should normally not be a mistake for them to leave a part of the hardest on-field duties to their winger Cristiano Ronaldo. Sadly, Ronaldo has not impressed for his country in recent times, and his run in the 2010 World Cup was the perfect evidence of his inner unsteadiness when it comes to powering his club, and leading his country.
Ronaldo missed Portugal’s first Euro 2012 Qualifying games following direct reports from Real Madrid, who affirmed that the player had suffered an injury. This seemed outlandish though, especially right after he was seen playing at full strength in the UEFA Champions League against Ajax – whereas he was not expected to feature in Los Blancos’ line-up at that moment.
Regardless, whatever may be the size of Ronaldo’s love and loyalty for Portugal, the important thing will be to act, rather than “pretending”. Will fans witness the return of the old “Rocket” who enlightened the Portuguese side from 2004 to 2008? In any event, Denmark will be getting ready to deal with pace and tricks, for fear that opposing attacks will be of high level in their upcoming match.
Netherlands vs Sweden: Just carry on, Ibrahimovic
A double against San Marino was enough for Zlatan Ibrahimovic to mark his first match back in Malmo in 9 years. The forward has performed amazingly lately, with a river of goals for AC Milan. His 2010/11 club season is yet to end, but the striker does not seem to show any difficulty in assuming his responsibilities. While he was at FC Barcelona, it appeared the Swede had totally lost his form and his respect for his country, but things have differed, and the 2010 World Cup non-participants can now look ahead to an entry in the UEFA Euro 2012 finals through the help of their ace.
Not long ago, Ibrahimovic got criticized by the public for not humbling himself during a live TV conversation with legendary Italian coach Arrigo Sacchi. Zlatan also has a bad image on the pitch regarding his body language, and in truth, it is Ibra’s negative behavior that the Swedish FA will want to avoid in the near future, so as not to lose their star needlessly.
Ibrahimovic is set to play against the Netherlands on October 12 in the UEFA Euro 2012 Qualifiers. Can he exhibit his shooting skills in front of goal on another occasion? Yes must be the answer…
Spain vs Lithuania: Bounce back David Villa
The 4-1 friendly defeat to Argentina showed David Villa’s slackness in attack. Somehow, the striker’s fine form which everyone witnessed for so long in his national team appears to be fading out, and in no way this is benefitting La Roja. At the 2010 World Cup, Villa nearly clinched the Top Scorer’s award, having paced in the goalscoring chart in the early stages of the tournament.
Upon failing to finish what he had already started in South Africa, Spanish fans were hoping that the forward would at least continue leading their country to great success. This idea was nonetheless turned into an unlikely possibility after Villa put on a poor display against Liechtenstein in Spain’s first challenge of the UEFA Euro 2012 Qualifiers.
Villa is still yet to install himself comfortably in Barcelona, and with no goals at the weekend, hunger is intensifying. Both Coach Pep Guardiola and Coach del Bosque will be anticipating something positive out of the No.7 striker in terms of performance, as well as in terms of physical status. A victory for Villa against Lithuania will be satisfying, but one or more goals might make his day.
Japan vs Argentina: Lionel Messi is back
Messi suffered a bad injury on the 19th of September in a Primera Division match against Atletico Madrid, and hence had to undergo serious treatments. Although he was expected to be out of action for up to 3 weeks, Messi made his return much earlier than expected by appearing as a substitute in Barcelona’s Champions League game against Rubin Kazan 10 days after.
He also started at the weekend against Real Mallorca, and his greatness was once more proved through an opener for the Catalans. Eventually, his goal did not turn out to be a winner, subsequent to an equalizer from the visitors.
Messi now has his name included in interim Argentina coach Sergio Batista’s squad for the international friendly against Japan; and unsurprisingly, this does not only bring happiness to the Argentine fans, but also to the enthusiastic Japanese football followers. It was reported that the Argentine FA will be paid a sum of $200,000 for their willingness to send their superstar in Asia.
Certainly, Messi will have no problem with the opposing supporters’ attitude during the encounter; yet, it will also be fair enough for him to give out his best, even if it will apparently be for his own benefit. Well, fans do not have too much to worry about, since the World Player of the Year is rarely likely to disappoint.
Messi ended his 2010 World Cup campaign goalless, but despite suffering a haunting exit from the tournament, he is still regarded as one of the fiercest contenders to win the FIFA Player of the Year award this year. His goal drought was patched up early in September after he scored against Spain in a friendly which ended 4-1 in favor of the Albicelestes.
So, looking at the hot fixtures on October 8, there is no doubt that Friday will be a magnificent day. From the UEFA Euro 2012 Qualifying to the International Friendlies, the heat will be intense as Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Villa, and Lionel Messi will all be scuffling, each for his own reason.
