Euro 2020 Preview - Portugal

[Dave]

Portugal

Portugal were the eventual winners of the last European Championships, now it seems the Seleccao are a more rounded team on paper going into this tournament.

 

Road to Euro 2020
The current holders and inaugural UEFA Nations League winners finished in second place in qualifying with five wins in eight games, losing only one match to group winners Ukraine. Portugal scored 22 goals in their eight qualifying games.

 

What to Expect
Portugal have an exciting mix of experienced veterans and exciting young prospects in their squad. This has allowed Fernando Santos to change their style of play to rely heavily on the speed and technical ability of their wingers with Cristiano Ronaldo leading as their lone striker.


Starting Lineup
Rui Patricio missed the most recent set of World Cup Qualifiers but we expect him to remain as first choice Goalkeeper ahead of Anthony Lopes.

The defence seemed most settled with a back four of Joao Cancelo, Pepe, Ruben Dias and Raphael Guerreiro. In midfield it seems that Danilo Pereira and Bruno Fernandes are assured of starting if they're fit whilst the third midfield place appears to be a battle between several players. We believe Fernando Santos will call upon the experience of Joao Mouthino ahead of the likes of Renato Sanches, Ruben Neves and William Carvalho. The latter may be included in a defensive midfielder role if Portugal switch to a 4-1-4-1 against more powerful opposition.

Fernando Santos appears to favour a front three of Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Jota when everybody is fit. However Joao Felix has proven to be a reliable figure previously so it wouldn't be a surprise if he has an important role to play during this tournament.


Key Player
Cristiano Ronaldo scored an impressive 14 goals in Portugal’s eight qualifying games. Keeping Ronaldo fit and on form will be crucial to Portugal’s success again as they face the toughest group possible in Group F.

 

Prediction
Given their star power, Portugal may be worth a speculative bet, however their second place finish in qualifying could indicate that they lack the quality needed to become European Champions for a successive second time.

[Azeem]

If they win it again would it be a European treble? 

[Mel81x+]

Dont know if Ronaldo will be their key player at these games. Someone was saying in the squad announcement thread that Portugal as a team do better when hes not in there but theres no denying that he is a threat when he plays and they are going to need everyone to be at the top of their game if they want to get out of the group.

[Machado]

I think we'll make it but won't get past the quarter finals no matter who we play. Shit qualifiers made me lose all hope in this side.

[Whiskey]

Wouldn't read too much into the qualifiers, Portugal are always abysmal in them, sneaking through then do actually well in the tournament. 

Dark horses again for me.

[The Käiser]

On 28/05/2021 at 13:51, Whiskey said:

Wouldn't read too much into the qualifiers, Portugal are always abysmal in them, sneaking through then do actually well in the tournament. 

Dark horses again for me.

Remember they only won 1 game in the 90min last Euros. 
(didn’t win a game in the group stages which included Austria Hungary and Iceland )

Definite dark horse

[Machado]

4-0 against Israel today. Interestingly their manager is from Austria...