Euro 2008
2008-06-19 - Portugal vs Germany
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Portugal
Portugal did what was expected of them by winning Group A but rested many of their players in their final game which they ended up losing to Switzerland. They had wrapped up the group by winning their first 2 games over Turkey and the Czech Republic.
We have seen in previous tournaments that a side can start very well, but then lose all momentum by resting the majority of their squad and losing their last game in the group stages. Portugal will be hoping this trend does not affect them here. They have looked a really strong team in their opening 2 games, creating many chances although they did look a little vulnerable at the back against the Czechs.
Portugal are full of confidence coming into this match and Luiz Felipe Scolari is expecting them to progress from this stage and cited Ronaldo as the man who can carry the nation forward.
Scolari is also so confident that he has already announced he will be starting the same side from the first 2 matches in this game.
Germany
Germany have played to their stereotype by efficiently getting through their group but would have hoped to have saved Portugal for the semi finals as they would have expected to win this group. However, after losing to Croatia, Germany finished 2nd.
Germany played well enough in their opening win over Poland but have looked nervous, edgy and generally disappointing in their next 2 games against Croatia and Austria. They will need to raise their levels vastly to compete with Portugal and have not looked solid at the back.
Joachim Loew is banned from the touchline in this game which is obviously another hindrance to the German side.
Injuries are also affecting the German squad with Torsten Frings and Lukas Podolski having to pass fitness tests before they are back in the side. Of the 2, it is Podolski who is more likely to start as Frings has fractured ribs. Bastian Schweinsteiger could also force his way back into the squad after serving a 1 game suspension.
Head to Head
These 2 nations have met twice in the last 8 years, once in the group stages of Euro 2000 and once in the 3rd/4th place playoff at the World Cup 2006. Both teams won 1 game each, with the Germans winning the more recent meeting 3-1.
Prediction
This is an interesting battle between 2 sides with contrasting styles of football. Germany play the simple effective football while Portugal prefer the flair.
Germany have not looked particularly solid at the back and the lack of matches for Metzelder and Lehmann seems to have an effect on their play. They have looked ok going forward, but have not really been tested by a defensive outfit yet.
Portugal have created chances each time they go forward but always seem a centre forward light of being a truly great side. They have looked a little vulnerable at the back, especially in their game with the Czech Republic and this is something Germany could exploit, especially from set pieces.
I think Germany will really need to up their game to find a win here and I dont think it will be possible for them. Portugal have played well and it seems the squad is truly focused on going one better than Euro 2004 and win this competition. I think it will be a close contest with the Portuguese winning by exploiting the vulnerabilities in the German backline.
The Pick :
Portugal 2-0 Germany
