Euro 2012 - Spain vs Portugal - SF Preview

In a clash of the Iberian nations, all grudges will be put aside in an attempt to qualify for the Final of the European Championships. Both Spain and Portugal have the quality to win the tournament should they perform to their potential, therefore Wednesday's game is a pivotal one for each nation.

The expected team lineups are as follows:

Tomorrow's match will be one full of attacking prowess. Both teams are very attacking and posess players that can change a game in seconds. Spain will not differ from their usual game of passing the ball and the opposition to death. The probable selection of David Silva over Fernando Torres only enforces this point, although he is likely to play a more attacking role. The three Barcelona midfield maestros in Xavi, Iniesta and Fabregas are going to provide servicd not only for Silva but also for each other, as all are capable of making attacking runs that could trouble the Portugal defence.
Two defensive midfielders for Spain provide the solidarity seen in their passing game, and are yet again accomplished passers of the ball. Xabi Alonso will be a constant threat from set pieces aswell as a solid defensive aid. In addition, Busquets will quietly go about his business, and is often not noticed as much (apart from for the time he spends on the floor) but is a gifted player with an excellent eye for a pass.
Combatting this, the attacking formation of Portugal will undoubtedly lead to what we predict to be an open game. The front three has seen a change for this match, with the Benfica front-man Nelson Oliveira the probable replacement for the injured Helder Postiga, who's tournament has come to an early end. Oliveira is primarily known as a super sub, as his role for Benfica suggests, however he is a good finisher, and chances will be created by his peers, with Ronaldo and Nani providing crosses and piercing runs from either side. Therefore, Spain will need to slightly change their formation to combat the threat.
The talent of Ronaldo and Nani needs no explaining, while the latter may occasionally be hit and miss, he still has outstanding ability and can easily change a game, whereas Ronaldo can finish a move from virtually anywhere in the attacking quarter. These two will probably provide the best chance for Portugal of scoring against a solid opposition.
Portugal's midfield three has so far been excellent at the 2012 tournament, Veloso attracted the attention of many clubs recently and his performances so far have shown why. Raul Meireles continues to be consistent for his country and Joao Moutinho is the more creative of the three, he will play incisive passes towards the front three in between the Spanish defensive lines.
However, despite the attacking armada on show, the defences of the two teams could potentially be the deciding factor. The Spanish defence has been impressive, conceding just one goal so far this tournament. If the experience and guile of Iker Casillas is added to this, Spain's defence is just as valuable to them as their attack and due to their width, will most likely cope fairly well with the width offered by Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The defence of the Portuguese however, is slightly less solid. As individual player, they are very technically gifted and are all able to contribute in attacking play aswell, but as a unit, they seem to lack cohesion, therefore contributing to their conceding of 4 goals so far in their 4 matches, 2 of these coming against Denmark.
We believe these occasional defensive frailties will mean that the focused passing game of the Spanish team and the way in which they play will cause problems over sustained periods for the Portuguese eventually leading to a mistake being made in defence. Therefore, Spain will edge this one and progress to the final.

Prediction: Spain 2-1 Portugal

Actual Teams:

Spain - Casillas, Arbeloa, Ramos, Pique, Alba, Busquets, Alonso, Xavi, Iniesta, Silva, Negredo
Portugal - Patricio, Pereira, Pepe, Alves, Coentrao, Veloso, Meireles, Moutinho, Nani, Ronaldo, Almeida