Tags

, , , , , , ,

How the first Euro 2012 semifinal breaks down.

Spain:

• 8 goals in four matches.

• Leader Scorers are Cesc Fabregas, Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso with two goals each.

• David Silva has three assists.

• The midfield trio of Xavi, Sergio Busquets, and Xabi Alonso have completed a combine 989 passes.

• The defense has been stingy, only allowing 1 goal. That in their opening match against  Italy.

• They averaged a tournament best 61% possession.

Projected Starting Lineup (4-3-3): Casillas; Arbeloa, Alba, Pique, Ramos; Alonso, Xavi, Busquets; Iniesta, Fabregas, Silva.

Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque decided to leave Fernando Torres on the bench and started Cesc Fabregas as a forward. The Spanish attackers took turns making runs into the box and moved the ball around fast. Spain’s attack is simple and it works. They want to hold onto the ball and patiently move it around until the killer pass is ready. When they lose possession, they press fast to force a bad pass.

Portugal

• Cristiano Ronaldo is co-tournament leader with 3 goals. He also has the most attempts  on target with 14.

• Midfielders Joao Moutinho and Nani both have 2 assists.

• Portugal leads the tournament with 35 corner kicks. That’s 8.75 per match.

• 46% possession per match.

• 4 goals allowed. Two of those were allowed in a group stage match vs Denmark.

Projected Starting Lineup (4-3-3): Rui Patricio; Pereira, Bruno Alves, Pepe, Coentrao; Veloso, Moutinho, Meireles; Nani, Postiga, Cristiano Ronaldo).

Portugal will have to maximize their opportunities because they won’t get very many because of Spain’s style. However, they have arguably the best player in the world and he’s in great form. Cristiano Ronaldo must score a goal if Portugal wants to beat Spain. Nani’s speed on the wing and Joao Moutinho’s vision will also be crucial.

• 12 of the 22 projected starters play for Real Madrid or Barcelona.

Real Madrid: Pepe, Coentrao, Ronaldo, Casillas, Arbeloa, Ramos, Alonso.

Barcelona: Pique, Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta, Fabregas.

Prediction: Spain 2-1