Post by Suresh Iyer

The group G match to be played among Brazil and Portugal is arguably the very best clash of the group stage, of this Planet Cup. The last time these groups met in a World Cup, Portugal prevailed, three-1.

Portugal squashed North Korea seven-, less than a week after the Koreans had provided the Brazilians a run for their funds. After Portugal’s boring draw with Ivory Coast, coach Carlos Queiroz brought in Simao for Danny on the left flank, and Hugo Almeida in place of Liedson. At half-time, the Portuguese led by Raul Meireles’ solitary goal. After Simao created it 2- in the 53rd minute, the floodgates opened, with Tiago finding a couple, and Cristiano Ronaldo finding 1, to finish his 17-month extended target draught.

Brazil are previously via to the spherical of 16, and Portugal can only fail to qualify, on their own, if they contrive to shed to Brazil and Ivory Coast get the far better of New Zealand by a mammoth margin. The leader of the group will stay away from meeting favourites Spain in the spherical of sixteen that’s an incentive for Portugal to attempt and defeat Brazil on Friday.

Brazil had a amazing game versus Ivory Coast, Fabiano acquiring a brace of goals and Elano the 3rd in a 3-one victory. Kaka will skip the subsequent match, possessing been red-carded, but with qualification worries out of the way, Brazil should not drop any sleep over Kaka’s imminent absence in the Portugal match.

Dunga’s Brazil has a settled search about it. Every single man knows what is anticipated of him and fulfills it. Dunga knows what it is to win a Entire world Cup, having led Brazil to victory, as a player, in 1994. The group will absolutely gain from having Dunga as coach.

Brazil’s left again Michel Bastos will be up in opposition to Cristiano Ronaldo who is not likely to give Bastos any breathing time Bastos ought to on the evening overlook about becoming a member of the attack as has been his wont, reminiscent of Roberto Carlos.

Portugal’s Carvalho will have the onerous job of denying Fabiano a sniff of the Portuguese target. Fabiano has a number of weapons to choose from, not minimum his bodily stature. His dribling skills and opportunism are a bonus. Carvalho even though not in the same physical class as Fabiano, is a battle scarred veteran and unlikely to shrink from the problem.

No adjust is probably in the Portugal staff from the squad that hammered North Korea. The looming threat posed by the presence of Brazil’s Robinho and Elano will aid temper Portugal backs Miguel and Coentrao’s penchant for heading forward. Cristiano Ronaldo and Simao will run down the wings although looking for every likelihood to run in and accompany Hugo Almeida. in assault. Portugal will also depend on the capability of Raul Meireles and Tiago to run ahead,while marshalling the midfield.

Julio Baptista could exchange Kaka as an attacking midfielder, while Gilberto and Felipe Melowill could act as midfield protection to the four defenders. Brazil could also select to have Elano in the centre with Nimar or Dani Alves on the right flank.

Count on this to be a challenging fought encounter that’s eventually dominated by the team with larger attacking flair, Brazil.

About the Writer

For the most recent sports gossip and news you will not locate anywhere else on the Net, and to obtain a No cost E book on the 2010 FIFA Planet Cup, click http://www.cricinfosite.com

Suresh Iyer is an avid sports activities fan and blogger.