Euro2012 – Germany vs Portugal – Low starting on a high note
By David, bettingexpert.com | Edited
A lot is expected out of both nations but many pundits will be backing Germany not to disappoint. Expectations are higher on them. However, Cristiano Ronaldo will be wary of the fact that pocketing the Golden Ball award in a rare miss season for his rival Messi will also require making an impression in Ukraine.
Germany – Portugal Odds: Euro 2012
On the right are odds for the match between Germany and Portugal, which will remain visible right until kick off.
Germany – Portugal Preview: Euro 2012
Bento’s Portugal played two friendly games ahead of the tournament and they won none. They lost against Turkey and drew with Macedonia. Germany did not manage anything much better winning an easy one against Israel but losing 5-3 to Switzerland. They have all been occasions for some experiments though, especially for Low. What will have to worry Bento, however, is the constant inability for Portugal to find the net.
Just like in their February friendly with the tournament co-hosts Poland they drew 0-0 against Macedonia. Then, a week, from their first Euro match, they scored only one and conceded three against the Turks. The manager has rallied the troops and called out for a helping hand to Ronaldo in this department. He may be superman but he cannot do it all by himself.
This is where Low’s side excels particularly well in comparison to the Portuguese side. The Germans have been going through a long process of development that lead to today’s cohesion and team spirit which are conducive to pleasing and effective football. The way players find each other on the pitch and set up their goals is very encouraging. They do deserve being favourites behind Spain for the final victory.
To be honest, however, Germany still lacks in defensive organization. They are not that bad but considering what they have done on the attacking front you would have expected something more at the back. There is some young talent which they can field but ultimately they still fail in presenting a top rated left-back. Low had hinted at Lahm being moved over there but I think that would shift things too much. The point of reference for this defence cannot be distracted by such nuisances. He should keep his place on the right and make that part of defence a strong point.
Germany – Portugal injury news: Euro 2012
No particular concerns for the managers. Low will field his best man and it will probably be Boateng who takes duties of left-back. Schweinsteiger, for whom there had been fitness concerns that were strong enough to hint at a probable exclusion from the tournament for him, should be fit enough to play in front of defence and filter out any dangers.
Paulo Bento, who had been tinkering with his setup to try and find the right balance that could allow him to defend against the attack-minded teams in Group B whilst still solving the goal drought problem, mat settle for a 4-3-2-1 which seemed his preferred choice of late. Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo will be the creative engine and a lot will rest on their abilities at skipping past their marker and finding the net. The former will have to be evaluated though due to a right leg injury that may keep him out of this match.
Germany – Portugal Betting: Euro 2012
The Germans still harbour some vulnerability in defence and this may help Portugal in exerting some form of temporary superiority via their quality and class on an individual level. Germany is the more organized side though and should they start hammering Portugal it will most probably turn their way. I back them to bag the three points.
Verdict: 1
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