Denmark vs Portugal - Let Ronaldo play!
Like the Netherlands, Portugal must win on Wednesday or start packing their bags. They were unlucky to narrowly lose against Germany in their opening game at Euro 2012. A draw might have been a fairer result but in a major tournament, teams must play to win and not to tie.
Against the Germans, the Portuguese seemed too tight. They never really caused a problem to the DFB Eleven's defence as Helder Postiga’s performance in attack was far from being remarkable. The Portuguese striker was arguably the less effective player on the pitch, leaving captain Cristiano Ronaldo frustrated.
The latter had very little space to play as Portugal’s offensive strategy was not centred around him. At Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo has a rather free role. He enjoys one-twos and a decent amount of chances to shoot in each match. This partly explains why he could hit over 45 goals in La Liga. Ronaldo is a player who can score at least a goal from three or four shots.
Last Saturday, Paulo Bento’s tactical approach forced Ronaldo to work as a typical winger all night. Ronaldo made fine moves and executed good crosses but this was not enough to turn the game around.
He almost got the better of Manuel Neuer in the second period with a low drive from long range. Unfortunately for Portuguese fans, the goal poacher did not have more opportunities to strike from a shooting position.
In the end, he could not exhibit his scoring skills at the relief of Germany. Speaking ahead of the crunch encounter against Denmark, midfielder Raul Meireles told Goal.com:
“He [Ronaldo] is a great friend and the best player in the world. We will have to win the next match for him, and also for us.”
Coach Paulo Bento may consider involving Cristiano Ronaldo more by taking an ultra-attacking approach on Wednesday. Either way, Denmark’s Jacobsen is hoping his team will cope well against the Real Madrid superstar.
“You can try to get as tight on him as possible. When he gets on the ball and is ready to take you on it's important your team-mates are ready to back you up,” he told UEFA.com.
“Otherwise you often see that he beats his man and kills the match. We really don't want him to do that.”
Portugal now have to catch up in Group B. Unfortunately for the Euro 2004 finalists, head-to-head numbers do not go in their favour. They have won only one of their last five meetings against Denmark.
One of their three defeats against the Danes occurred in a crucial 2012 European Championship qualifier. The result sent Denmark in the finals of the tournament at the expense of qualification group runners-up Portugal.
On paper, the Portuguese national team is a step above Denmark. However, Paulo Bento and his men have scores to settle on the pitch against the Danes before it is too late.
The group of death – a difference between luck and taking chances
It is appalling to execute 32 shots in a game and to score no goal. This is exactly what the Netherlands did against Denmark. Among these 32 shots, 22 were off target. In that match, the Oranje literally redefined the meaning of the word “misfiring”.
Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie in particular had a multitude of chances to put the game to bed. On another day, Denmark would have conceded no less than four goals despite the brave performance of goalkeeper Stephan Andersen in post. In the end, the Dutch were punished by their very own disgusting mistakes in attack.
It is time for the Netherlands to bounce back. Ahead of Wednesday’s fixture against the flying Germans, Bert Marwijk’s men can find positives from their first game.
At least, they dominated throughout with a 90 per cent pass accuracy, 57 per cent of areal duels won, 55 per cent of ball possession, 11 corners and 26 throwins.
Against a German side upbeat from beating Portugal, the Dutch may face more difficulties imposing their game than against Denmark. What will count most, however, is the efficiency factor. Once again, stats recall that Germany found their match winner against Portugal out of three shots on target while the Netherlands made nothing from 32 shots on goal against the Danes.
In the aftermath of their recent 6-0 demolition of Northern Ireland, the Dutch looked so ready to perform and dominate the “group of death” at Euro 2012. Suddenly, they find themselves in a do-or-die situation. Will they survive on Wednesday night?
