Portugal v Spain – Match Preview – Euro 2012 – 27 June 2012
The Euro 2012 semifinals begin with 2008 champion Spain facing 2004 runner-up Portugal. The match will take place at the Donbass Arena in Donetsk, Ukraine with kickoff scheduled for 20:45 local time.
Spain manager Vicente del Bosque
“We have to try to deactivate him (Ronaldo).”
“We have to take notice of Ronaldo. He’s an excellent player and it’s logical that there’s so much talk about him.”
“We knew how to play against him (Ronaldo) and how to stop him and we’ll try the same tomorrow. ”
“we don’t want to look back (referencing 4-0 friendly loss to Portugal”
“We will be ourselves. Of course, we have to pay attention to certain details, but it’s important to play our game and develop our ideas.”
Portugal manager Paulo Bento
“We have ambition and courage. We know what we have to do. We have to put pressure on our opponents and our aim is not to defend all the time. We won’t do that against the world and European champions. I think they know we can cause them problems.”
“There can’t be any more beautiful opportunity than the one we have tomorrow. We could reach the second final in our history and we’re all conscious of that. We’re aware of our responsibility to the Portuguese people to continue in this championship.”
Match Outlook
Spain have not been at their best in this tournament but still a notch above Portugal. Even if the Spanish play at 80 or 90 percent of their potential, it would likely be enough to reach the final. Portugal have had a good tournament but do lack the overall depth of their opponents. The main key to the match will be Cristiano Ronaldo and if he can lead Portugal to an upset. Ronaldo will need to be the best player on the pitch if Portugal want to reach the final but otherwise it should be Spain one match from repeating.
Players To Watch
Xabi Alonso (Spain) – He doesn’t always get a lot of attention but will need to try and limit Ronaldo in the midfield as well as provide defensive support when Portugal try counterattacks
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – As he goes so will Portugal and he’ll likely need to assist or create several goals in this match
Euro 2012 Team Stats
| Portugal | Spain | |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | Cristiano Ronaldo 3 | Xabi Alonso 2 |
| Assists | David Silva 3 | |
| Yellows | Nani 1 | Jordi Alba 1 |
Betting Odds
Portugal win – 7/2
Draw (after 90 minutes) – 12/5
Spain win – 10/1
