Tonight’s Euro 2012 semi-final is the toughest challenge Ronaldo’s Portugal could have faced.
After dragging Portugal past Holland and the Czech Republic with three goals in two games, there is a growing feeling that Euro 2012 is developing into Ronaldo’s tournament.
If that is to prove to be true, he will have to put in one of the performances of his life tonight, and so will his Portugal teammates.
For in their path lie Spain, the current World and European Champions. The team which knocked Portugal out in the last 16 in South Africa thanks to a lone David Villa goal.
That wasn’t a happy night for a defensively set up Portugal side, Ronaldo barely got a kick and sulked off the pitch at the end.
The same problems will face Portugal tonight. The pressing tactics of the Spaniards will put pressure on the Portuguese and attempt to cut off Ronaldo’s supply line.
Spain too this tournament have exuded dominance, through possession, and Portugal’s midfield of Moutinho and Meireles will be their key men.
There will be one major difference to Portugal’s personnel tonight – Nani will play, having missed 2010 through injury.
The United winger has had a lukewarm tournament so far and will be hoping tonight is the night he steps out of the shadow of his teammate.
Spain will pose a familiar threat to Ronaldo, for Portugal v Spain has all the hallmarks of a Real Madrid v Barcelona ‘El Clasico’ clash.
Cesc Fabregas, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique, are all Barcelona stars who will be more than familiar with facing Cristiano Ronaldo.
They have had so much success against his Madrid side at club level, such that until Madrid’s 2-1 win this spring, it was beginning to look like a one sided affair.
Ronaldo will hope that the most recent clash, a 2-1 win, is a good omen for himself tonight. But it won’t just be the Barcelona boys he is used to, Real Madrid teammates Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso also stand in Portugal’s path.
On his side at least he has club mates Fabio Coentrao and the unpredictable Pepe, who is as good a bet as any to pick up a red card this evening.
While Spain ran out winners at the last World Cup, Portugal will take encouragement from their last friendly clash, which they won 4-0.
Taking place in Portugal in November 2010, a strong Spain side – featuring near the same 11 which started the World Cup Final months earlier that year with David Silva for Pedro the only change – the home side dominated.
Helder Postiga, who will start tonight, grabbed two goals with Carlos Martins and Hugo Almeida the others. It will give the underdogs hope tonight of scoring a win and give them confidence.
Don’t expect anything like the same scoreline, and don’t be fooled by Spain’s performance, the clash should be decided by only the odd goal, but expect it to be played with the intensity and bitterness of a Clasico, and don’t be surprised if we see diving around and red cards to boot.
Will Ronaldo lead Portugal to victory or will Spain be too strong?
image: © jbagley
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