Day 5 - Round 2: Group A: Czech-Portugal; Swiss-Turkey

Keep it in here

Remember this?
Qualifying for WC006
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SPIHtQ6BQk

These two have a little history...

Getting back home for that first one, should be a cracker. Can see it being 2-1 to Portugal.

Any changes to Portugal expected ?

None apparently

If it isn't broken, no need to fix it.

Possible on the substitutions. I can see Quaresma and Nani playing more time if the result goes Portugal's way

I can see the Czechs & Portugal not minding a draw. Portugal would still be odds on to win their group with their last match v Austria & the Czechs would only need a draw v the Turks to qualify and set them up for a match v the Germans, whose number they already have.

A win would mean for both teams automatic qualification, and the chance to rest some players on the last group game
Although they may take it easy, and think of a draw like the lesser of evils

Don Leo wrote:I can see the Czechs & Portugal not minding a draw. Portugal would still be odds on to win their group with their last match v Austria & the Czechs would only need a draw v the Turks to qualify and set them up for a match v the Germans, whose number they already have.

Its Switzerland, and they are no mugs. They will be tougher to beat that Turkey, they have a better defence.

bluenine wrote:

Don Leo wrote:I can see the Czechs & Portugal not minding a draw. Portugal would still be odds on to win their group with their last match v Austria & the Czechs would only need a draw v the Turks to qualify and set them up for a match v the Germans, whose number they already have.

Its Switzerland, and they are no mugs. They will be tougher to beat that Turkey, they have a better defence.

My mistake, but still think they will not mind a draw.

The Czechs didn't impress me much in their first game against Switzerland. They have superb defenders, I really like Rozehnal and Ujfalusi at the back, but they have very little in midfield or up front. I wasn't impressed with Sionko - he did a lot of running off Koller, but he didn't have much end product, it was a bit aimless, and I didn't think he and Koller linked well - Koller would always look to pass the ball as far back as possible, looking to build from the back, but it often killed moves and prevented any quick breaks. They were a bit fortunate to get their win. Baros would probably be a better and more attacking option, but if they didn't play like that against the Swiss, they probably won't play like that against the Portugais.

Barnetta looked decent for the Swiss, but I reckon both teams will lose today. I think Portugal will beat the Czechs fairly comfortably, though as always with them an early goal would be a huge help; and I think Turkey will manage to break the Swiss down - though Emre, who I thought passed the ball superbly in their first game and who is now injured (which also brings into question his move to Fenerbahce - though I imagine it will still go through), will be a big loss. I see Turkey ultimately going through along with Portugal from this group. Turkey are one of those teams who play nice football, but struggle with goals.

In that Czech side Plasil is the only one who looks like he can create something.

Olé wrote:In that Czech side Plasil is the only one who looks like he can create something.

This is the most dull Czech midfield I have seen in a long long time. Maybe they should have convinced Nedved to comeback from his retirement, specially after Rocisky got injured.

True, heard from a Czech is that Bruckner is pretty conservative, also when it comes to introducing new (creative) talent.

My main problem with the Czech performance the first match is that their line-up and tactics were a contradiction in terms.

If you start Koller, who is mainly useful in or around the box, you need to make sure you play on the opposition's half: your defenders need to defend high up the pitch. If you soak up pressure and play for counterattacks, play Baros, Vlcek, or somebody else capable of swift counterattacking.

I also have a feeling Turkey can beat Switzerland, who will be under huge pressure to deliver as the home team after losing the first game.

Turkey are faves IMO

I've already posted this on the group A thread so I'll be short and sweet.

Yes Portugal are the better side but we struggle against defensive sides and this Czech Republic seems to be very defensive.

My prediction is a draw.

Calidad wrote:Turkey are faves IMO

The Swiss for me, they'll have home advantage which will also mean the UEFA have instructed the ref to help them

Emre is crocked, surprise surprise, and Tuncay is being replaced by Arda Turan. Apparently.

I think the Portugal game will be a very good affair. I don't think the Czech's formation worked well against Switzerland as Koller was a bit isolated, Baros has always been much better for his national team than for any of the clubs he's played at (though I still think we shouldn't have sold him.) so I'd start with him alongside the big ban for the extra danger factor that they now lack with no Nedved.

Kimbo wrote:Emre is crocked, surprise surprise, and Tuncay is being replaced by Arda Turan. Apparently.

thats typical. i had him in my team last round and doesn't play. take him out this round and he starts

Bruckner reading Euroboard: Czech Official line-up: Koller dropped for Baros!

--------------------Cech
Grygera Ujfalusi (C) Rozenhal Jankulovski
------------------Galasek
------Matejovski-----------Polak
Sionko-----------------------------------Plasil
-------------------Baros

Portugal's starting line-up is the same as the first matchday

Axeslammer wrote:

Calidad wrote:Turkey are faves IMO

The Swiss for me, they'll have home advantage which will also mean the UEFA have instructed the ref to help them

Baros as the lone striker?

bluenine wrote:
This is the most dull Czech midfield I have seen in a long long time. Maybe they should have convinced Nedved to comeback from his retirement, specially after Rocisky got injured.

They tried, but he didn't want to.

PORTUGAL PORTUGAL PORTUGAL

Hmmmm Deco should have sent Ronaldo in first time there.

Sionko already looked promising in the first match against the Swiss, an interesting little player. He should have finished better though.

Ronaldo in superman mode again.

What a pass by Deco to Moutinho

Deco scrambles a goal for Portugal!