Portugal vs Spain – Pre Match Analysis

Portugal survived the group of death and managed to reach semi finals of Euro 2012 by edging out Czech Republic in quarter-finals with the only goal from Ronaldo in the 78th minute of the game. Spain the defending Europe and world champions topped the group with 2 wins and a draw. Spain entered the semis by beating France 2-0 in the quarter-finals as Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso scored a brace.
Del Bosque’s Spain will probably be going with the same starting line-up started against France in quarter-finals with Cesc Fabregas playing in the central portion of the attack as False No.9 along side, David Silva and Andres Iniesta; whereas Bento’s Portugal will be replacing the injured Zaragoza striker Postiga with Besiktas’s Almeida in their starting XI.
Portugal Attack vs Spain Defense
In World Cup 2010, Sergio Ramos played as right back, Puyol and Pique as CBs and Capervilla left back. Due to Puyol’s injury, Ramos who played almost all the matches as CB last season for Real Madrid, has been opted to perform that job for his country by Del Bosque and thereby letting the way for Arbeloa to play as right back. The ever consistent Jordi Alba will be starting at left back.
As Ronaldo has been playing on the left flank in the tournament, an uphill task waits for Arbeloa to stop his Real Madrid team-mate. Arbeloa did a decent job stopping pacy Ribery with support of his team mates in the quarters. The in-form Portuguese captain can cause severe damage to the opponents with his pace and trickery. On the right flank, Nani’s pace is considered as a real threat and Alba should provide his best to stop him. Almeida is likely to replace the injured Postiga. Almeida had enjoyed a great last season with Besiktas and he needs to come up with a clever display to go through the spaces of spain’s tight defense that has conceded single goal all tournament. Veloso, Moutinho and Meireles have been consistent and that is one of the main reason behind Portugal’s success in this competition.
Postiga is the only man who survived from Portuguese Euro 2004 squad alongside Ronaldo. In terms of quality, Postiga and Almeida are not much different. Almeida will be taking his place as lone striker up front for Portugal and needs to step up big time in the absence of senior striker Postiga.
Spain Attack vs  Portuguese Defense
Fabregas started the opening game of Spain against Italy instead of a striker. But, Torres was given two consecutive opportunities to start the next games against Republic of Ireland and Croatia. Torres failed to shine in the last group fixture and Del Bosque opted to start Fabregas again in the quarters.
Real Madrid pair in the Portuguese defense Coentrao and Pepe have been looking good so far in the tournament. David Silva is top quality player and will face stiff opposition from a top quality defender in Coentrao. On the other hand, there is the major threat of Iniesta who constantly change positions and combining with Xavi create havoc for opposition. Xabi Alonso was the man of the match against France and he should be stopped from delivering those accurate long range passes.
Midfield Analysis
Spain’s ball possession in all the matches has been more than 50 percent still it seems like Spain are not the best team when it comes to counter attack as they lack pace to carry the ball through. Midfield has been serving as the power house for Spain in the recent years with the likes of Xavi, Iniesta Alonso and Busquets. The number of passes completed by Spaniards are more than any other team in the tournament so far and that is mainly due to their brilliant midfield.
Coming to Portugal, Raul Meireles who won last season Champions league with Chelsea hardly had good games for Chelsea but is delivering for his nation. Moutinho will be looking to replicate his quarter final man of the match display against Spain as well. Adding to that his coordination with Genoa’s Veloso can be the difference in dominating midfield battle or losing it.
Conclusion
Having lost to Spain 2 years back in the World Cup, Portugal will be looking for revenge and will want their influential captain Ronaldo to come up with the goods to ensure their progress in the final. On the other hand, reigning champions Spain will look to continue their domination so as to retain the title. We can expect that the game will be an attacking battle and unlike the quarter final between Italy and England.
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