How they got here
Hungary
Protagonists
of the first round of games, with an inspired and unexpected win against
Austria, where they showed their defensive resolutions and were extremely effective
in the counter. Against Iceland they had to attack more, but ended up with the
draw reward in the end, and with a foot and a half in the next stage.
Iceland
Their
physical style of play, always looking to the front but with the main worry to
protect their goal, Iceland has disturbed Portugal and Ronaldo, in a way they
haven’t come back yet. They got two points in their tow first games, and know
will be looking for their first win in a competition like this.
Portugal
Disappointing
to say the least. Out of shape, nervous, in a hurry to prove they are the star
they think they are. Portugal is Ronaldo and Ronaldo is Portugal, and those
adjectives could be directed to the whole team or, really, just the Real Madrid
star. The offensive volume was tremendous, but there was no calm in front of
goal, and now qualification is a bit trickier.
Austria
They did
not deserve the luck they got from the game against Hungary. Their first half
was very good, and the game full of pull backs, with injuries, sending offs,
hitting the post and just not scoring. They got hit in the motivation, but did
a great job in denying Portugal of the victory, even if they had to suffer a
lot to get the point.
What they need
Hungary
Surely no
one expected them to get to this round with qualification so close, let alone
on top of the group. They still have to face the best team of the group, name
wise, but their results and matches have been good to watch, and they know the
point is more than enough to qualify
Iceland
It’s
possible that Iceland will try and defend again, against Austria. They know
that three points might be enough, but Lagerback, when they defend, they don’t
really park the bus. It might seem that way, but that’s because of their height
and ability to run for their country for the whole match. A determination that
will make sure they will qualify, one way or another.
Portugal
Ronaldo needs, urgently, to try and turn the
frown into a big wide smile, maybe followed by a “SIIIIIIIIIII!!”. Portugal is
looking for a win, and they know that the win will, most likely, give them
first place of the group, even if in a very poor way go get it. But this
Portugal team is all about results, not necessarily the spectacle. They just
need to hit the goal.
Austria
With such a
tight group, made even tighter by Portugal’s lack of finishing ability, Austria
still can reach qualification, although always behind Hungary. But the math is
simple for Austria, is a win or elimination, so you’ve got to expect that
Marcel Koller will try and dominate the match from early on.
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