Euro 2012: Sunday Match Analysis and Previews
By Ryan Stetson
Covers.com
Portugal vs. Netherlands
Odds: Portugal +155 Draw +230 Netherlands +150
Over/under: 2.5, Over -141, Under +100
About Portugal:
FIFA world ranking: No. 10
Recent results: 3-2 win vs. Denmark 13/6/2012, 1-0 loss vs. Germany 9/6/2012, 3-1 loss vs. Turkey 2/6/2012
Substitute Silvestre Varela saved the day for Portugal with a goal in the 87th minute to take three points against Denmark. Still, everyone’s wondering what’s wrong with Cristiano Ronaldo.
He couldn’t take advantage of a couple great chances in the second half, which allowed Denmark to climb back into the contest. He has just five goals in 21 major international competitions.
Now Portugal needs at least a point to advance.
About Netherlands:
FIFA world ranking: No. 4
Recent results: 2-1 loss vs. Germany 13/6/2012, 1-0 loss vs. Denmark 9/6/2012, 6-0 win vs. Northern Ireland
This tournament’s been a nightmare for the Dutch, who likely need a lopsided victory to have any hope of advancing past the group stage.
They fell behind 2-0 to Germany and battled back hard to half the deficit on a strike from Robin van Persie, but couldn’t get any closer.
The Netherlands now need to beat Portugal by two goals and hope Denmark loses to Germany in the other Group B matchup.
Tactics and lineup
The Dutch come into this one healthy and will likely change their game plan to push the pace from the wings, something that has been lacking in the squad’s opening two matches.
Early reports indicate Portugal won’t change their lineup much for this match.
Denmark vs. Germany
Odds: Denmark +500, Draw +250, Germany -182
Over/under: 2.5, Over -141, Under +100
About Denmark:
FIFA world ranking: No. 9
Recent results: 3-2 loss vs. Portugal 13/6/2012, 1-0 win vs. Netherlands 9/6/2012, 2-0 win vs. Australia 2/6/2012
Denmark showed a lot of heart to get back into their last match against Portugal. Striker Nicklas Bendtner scored twice and drew some controversy after displaying his Paddy Power lucky boxer shorts after the second.
The Danes are looking for much more from youngster Christian Eriksen.
He had a couple efforts on goal against Portugal, but the club is hoping he’ll be able to break down the German defense with the clever passes he’s been known for while playing with Ajax.
About Germany:
FIFA world ranking: No. 3
Recent results: 2-1 win vs. Netherlands 13/6/2012, 1-0 win vs. Portugal 9/6/2012, 2-0 win vs. Israel 31/5/2012
Mario Gomez was clinical around the goal against the Dutch again, scoring both of German’s markers to push his total to three in the tournament.
Now that Germany are in the driver’s seat of the group, Gomez is already looking ahead in hopes of beating Spain later in the tournament. Spain has defeated Germany in the last two major tournaments – in the final at Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup semifinal.
A single point on Sunday will get the Germans one step closer to an eventual matchup with Spain.
Tactics and lineup
Knowing a draw could get them through, the Danes will look to clog the midfield, hoping to slow Germany’s quick-strike attack. Look for them to use a 4-5-1.
Possible lineup: Andersen in goal and Jacobsen, Kjaer, Agger, Poulsen at the back. Kvist, Poulsen, Mikkelsen, Eriksen, Krohn-Dehli in midfield with Bendtner striking.
Germany will stick with what’s working in a 4-5-1 formation as well.
Possible lineup: Neuer in goal. Lahm, Badstuber, Hummels, Schmelzer defending. Schweinsteiger, Khedira, Müller, Özil, Podolski in midfield with Gómez up front.