Portugal vs Austria - preview

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- Latest events

PORTUGAL

·         A very average match against Iceland only resulted in a draw, and Portugal needs to perform better to make sure qualification isn’t a bigger challenge that it needs to be.    

·         With good and bad things to remember, Portugal will need to be more proactive without the ball, as Austria will close as Iceland did, and it’s between the lines is where danger can be created.     

·         Ronaldo was in the right areas but his actions weren’t brilliant and he, more than anyone, will want to rectify that.      

AUSTRIA

·         Austria started well against Hungary, and was always looking the best team, and then they had an horrendous five minutes where they conceded a goal out of nothing, and saw Dragovic get sent off.   

·         The final punch in the stomach was the second goal, and their spirit must be shattered, with Marcel Koller having the job of lifting his squad.      

·         It’s do or die for Austria, but they will try to hold Portugal in the first half, try to frustrate Ronaldo like Iceland did, and then counter. That’s the plan anyway     

- Areas to follow

PORTUGAL

·         Defense

It was a shaky start for Portugal back line, with Rui Patricio having to make two good saves, and no chance in the goal. Pepe and Vieirinha were particularly out of form but only the Wolfsburg player should lose his place, as Pepe is one of the leaders of the group.     

·         Midfield

One of the reasons why Portugal was unable to win against Iceland was the fact of the size difference between, for example, Gunnarson and Moutinho. As Portuguese players were just unable to create space in lines, they would always have an Icelandic on top of them that would dispossess them, with or without foul. At least the Austrians are smaller, but the pass-and-go mentality still needs to improve.

·         Attack

Ronaldo missed chances he usually doesn’t and Nani did score, while Quaresma seemed ready to start as well. Santos will make his decision, but it feels that if the ball gets to the last third in good condition, these three will create something for Portugal. And that’s what they are planning on happening.  

             

AUSTRIA

·            Defense

Dragovic is suspended and Marcel Koller will either go with Prodl or Wimmer. Either way, Austria knows that space like what was allowed to Kleinheisler and Szalai will surely been taken by Portugal’s forwards. They will have to show they are ready to fight for their team, and it will need to do exactly that.

·             Midfield

It has been bad news after bad news. Junuzovic’s injury in the first quarter of the game would eventually take him out of the game and leave Austria without its creative force. Alaba can do it, obviously, but then he leaves the space where his defensive awareness is also needed. Arnautovic can explore the space behind the full back, as Harnik, they will be active in this game.

·             Attack

Janko’s size is enough to have Santos worried, as his aerial capacity will certainly be the way Austria will try and surprise Portugal. He’s a fighter and will provoke Pepe throughout the game, in hopes to see a familiar moment of madness from the Real Madrid’s center back. Marc Janko has played in Portugal, and will surely one of the most active players in the pitch.

- FIL’S VERDICT

 Cristiano Ronaldo would have been hoping to make his mark early at Euro 2016 - and Portugal's captain did just that following his outspoken reaction to the 1-1 draw with Iceland. After hastily leaving the pitch, he accused Iceland - population just 332,000 - of negative tactics.

"It was a lucky night for them," he said. "When they don't try to play and just defend, defend, defend, this in my opinion shows a small mentality and they are not going to do anything in the competition."

Portugal attempted 26 shots against Iceland, including 10 from Ronaldo. It is a familiar story for the Portuguese, who often struggle to find a cutting edge. All seven of their qualifying wins were by single-goal margins, and they have also lost friendlies to Cape Verde and Bulgaria recently despite peppering the opposition goalkeeper.

Both Portugal and Austria saw long winning runs end in their opener - Portugal had won seven competitive games in a row, while Austria had won nine.

Austria coach Marcel Koller felt his side made a good start against Hungary - but became increasingly nervous as the game progressed. Koller will need to steady the ship at the Parc des Princes but will have to do so without two key figures - centre-back Aleksandar Dragovic and playmaker Zlatko Junuzovic.

Portugal will have to try and take advantage of Austria’s likely nerves in the beginning to break down their plan. If they let confidence grow it’s going to be a game the Portuguese is used to play, and usually with awkward results. But this is the time where everyone needs to step up and if Ronaldo can do that, Portugal is favorite.

FIL’S PREDICTION

 

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