Austria/Switzerland Awaits

So, After a little over a year since Qualifying for Euro 08 began, we are down to the very last round. A round where Portugal plays for all or nothing against Finland. The Fins come into the last round with a chance to qualify if they beat Portugal; Portugal on the other hand, will only need a tie to advance. It seems that this is a position that we're all too familiar being in; coming down to the last game and everything on the line. I think the Portuguese people thrive on this, We thrive on the satisfaction the success will bring us from being in such situations, because it is so much sweeter than if we had qualified 3 games ago, in the meantime, anxiety and nervousness seem to be enough to give you a heart attack.

Here we go:
Starting 11 for the Finland game
Ricardo
Bosingwa,Meira, Alves and Caneira
Veloso, Maniche
Quaresma, Simao, Ronalddo
Nuno Gomes

The only change from wednesday's game is the switch between Nuno Gomes and Hugo Almeida, the Werder Bremen forward suffered an injury and will not be able to go. Nuno Gomes gets the nod for the center forward position. Personally i would go with Makukula, as he is stronger physically, has a better aerial game and would be perfect to fight with the 2 tall central defenders. Scolari is banking on Nuno Gomes' experience and tactical game. Nuno Gomes offers more mobility and more combination play with the 3 attacking midfielders.
It'll be a very different game than the one from Saturday, Finland is a much better team than Armenia and they are going to lay it all on the line, as they have nothing to lose and all to gain. Hopefully the Portuguese will take the Fins alot more serious than the Armenians and will play on a level we know they are capable of.

Keys to the game:

Defensive line - The defense needs to lose the level of passiveness they had against the Armenians; markings should be tight and offensive players should not be given so much space to organize or even to think about a play. This where the games needs to start, while Portugal will not play for a tie, a strong, non-permissive defense is the biggest key to advance, whether by tying or winning the game.

Offensive mobility - it is very important that there is no ball watching. All the offensive players should remain in constant movement. This will not only provide pass options but will free up running lanes. This is very important, with Portugal having as much skill as they have, constant motion will make the Fins marking almost impossible and it's very hard to defend against.

Quaresma/Ronaldo - Definetely not at their best against the Armenians, look for Cristiano Ronaldo to step up, as he loves games like this. Quaresma also needs to play well, let's hope that playing at the Dragao can produce the same Quaresma that wears the blue and white jersey.
With Quaresma and Ronaldo at their best, it'll be hard to lose this game.

Crowd Support - The team needs support from the crowd. I can't understand how people that go to these games can jeer their national team, that is such a cowardly and ignorant act. I see those people as people who really don't want to see the National team succeed and do well. Yes, the players are professionals and make lots of money playing the sport, but still deserve all of our support as they have given us many moments of pride. A sold out Dragao behind the team will be enough to win the game.

It'll be a hard one, but i think Portugal will come through in the end, making us suffer until the very last minute.
1-0

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Forca Portugal!!!!