The first semi final of the Euro 2012 features the Iberian War between defending European and World champions Spain and neighboring Portugal. The two teams last met in a major competition just two years ago in the round of 16 at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Spain came out on top 1-0 with a 63rd minute David Villa goal.
Spain’s Cesc Fabregas has been converted to a striker for the tournament.
But David Villa was left off the squad due to injury and Spain is having a hard time figuring out who can fill his position. Spain has juggled between Fernando Torres and midfielder Cesc Fabregas in the starting striker role and have so far depended on scoring by committee as five different players have found their way onto the score sheet for the Spaniards. Spain has received a fare share of criticism for less than impressive performances in the tournament so far and have even being labeled boring. But Spain did not come to Ukraine and Poland to entertain, they came to win.
Xabi Alonso celebrates his second goal against France. Yes, Spain has a Javi, Xabi & Xavi on the roster.
Spain has rattled off three straight victories since their opening game draw against Italy. The defending champions have scored eight goals in their first four games of Euro 2012, which equals their tournament total from the 2010 World Cup; not bad for a team that’s supposedly ‘slipping’ in quality. Spain will definitely try to dominate the ball possession in the semi-finals by moving the ball around like only they can. Portugal surely won’t be as accommodating as the French were in the quarters. Xavi, Iniesta, David Silva and Xabi Alonso have been solid in the midfield and will continue to be the creative heart that pumps the lifeblood of Spain’s national team.
Portugal has also ripped off three straight victories since their opening match set-back; in their case, an opening game loss to Germany. Portugal topped the Czech Republic 1-0 in the quarterfinals, although the score does not truly reflect their performance. The Selecção dominated the Czechs and if it wasn’t for an on-form Petr Cech and a couple of goalposts, Portugal could have won by three or four.
Portugal may not be as deep as Spain, they do have something Spain
CR7
doesn’t; in fact they have something or rather someone no one else has: an en fuego Cristiano Ronaldo. After starting slow and raising the usual doubts with his first two performances, CR7 has come out like a man possessed in the last two matches. If Portugal is to get by their Iberian rivals, Ronaldo will have to continue to play the best soccer he has in a Portugal jersey.
However, they are not just Cristiano. He receives a lot of the credit but many have contributed in getting Portugal to the semifinals. Pepe, Bruno Alves and Fabio Coentrao have been great in the back for the Portuguese and Porto midfielder Joao Mountinho has been a linchpin in their midfield.
Portugal midfielder Joao Mountinho
It will be interesting to see how this game eventually takes shape. Spain will be knocking the ball around but will have to be very careful of Portugal’s ability to counter. Ronaldo is terrifyingly fast on the break and Spain will have to stay on their toes to make sure they do not fall victim to a quick counter attack. Spain can’t depend on Ronaldo not continuing his latest form; they have to do their best to keep him ineffective. The longer this game stays close, the better the chances Portugal could shock the Spaniards. It will serve Spain best to get up early and their spot in the driver’s seat. But an early lead would be the wish of any squad, but no squad can protect the ball like the defending champs.
Any fan not invested in either side should be hoping for an early goal from one of the teams. Viewers will be in for a treat if these two squads are forced to open up and display their flair. If only we could be so lucky.
Prediction: This game will be a battle. While many are counting Portugal out, they will give Spain all they can handle. I’ll go with the defending champs in this one, but there is a definite potential for an upset and maybe even extra time. 2-1 Spain.
Euro 2012 