Exército Português - The Portuguese Army

The Portugal National team.

The Portuguese, who were never touted to reach the semis, have evolved in recent weeks to become the team to beat. They started their Euro 2012 campaign trapped in a group infamously known as the ‘Group of Death’ and their chances of prevailing beyond the preliminary stages of this event were minimal. It was but for sheer team effort and individual brilliance that Portugal have found themselves in the semis of Euro ’12.

The Portuguese got set for action in Arena Lviv, Ukraine against Germany on 9th July, 2012. A late brace by Mario Gomez saw Germany home. Portugal’s tactics were highly criticized. From there on, it was considered improbable for Portugal to survive the group of death. Heading into their second and most crucial encounter against Denmark, who managed to defeat the mighty Dutch, Portugal at least needed to draw if not to win, to stand any chance of progressing in the competition. Portugal, aware of the odds, took a comfortable lead in the fixture with goals coming from Helder Postiga and Real Madrid center back Pepe. Portugal’s advantage was neutralized by a Nicolas Bendtner double as the match was heading for a draw. With barely minutes remaining in the game and Portugal on the brink of elimination, substitute Silvestre Varela found the net just in time with an incredible goal to power Portugal to victory with those very precious 3 points.

Unfortunately, the Portuguese captain and Real Madrid superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo failed to rise to the occasion in yet another international match. With Ronaldo misfiring, despair and desperation had taken its toll on the 27 year old winger. Adding insult to the injury were the criticisms from the media and the traveling fans.

Quoting Einstein, “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.”

It was as if it was scripted for Cristiano Ronaldo, who left no stone unturned, as Portugal thrashed their biggest and the toughest opponent in the group. It was all over. Ronaldo scored two magnificent goals against Netherlands to send Portugal to the quarter-finals of Euro 2012. Portugal survived the group of death.

And all of a sudden, the Portuguese were touted as favorites to win their quarter-finals fixture against the Czech Republic. Portugal dominated the match with great vigour while Petr Cech was kept busy at the other end to deny the Portuguese. Ronaldo was magical on that night, converting well-architectured attempts from Manchester United stalwart Luiz Nani, only to find the woodwork twice in the game. No other team hit the woodwork more than Portugal with four out of the five attempts coming from the Portuguese captain. After many unsuccessful attempts on target, Ronaldo’s thumping near-post header was the only goal of the game. Ronaldo had rediscovered his form. He capped a magnificent display with a match-winning goal as Portugal powered past Czech Republic and into the semi-finals of the European Championships 2012.

And now, they face the defending and World Champions Spain in the semis. Portuguese coach Paulo Bento is well aware of the threat posed by the Spanish Armada. Certainly, Portuguese are the underdogs in this nail-biting clash. But looking at Ronaldo’s destructive, goal-scoring form, I believe the Spaniards will have to device an efficient plan to silence him. Ronaldo could certainly be the difference between the two sides. He is certainly one of the best players of his generation and if could inspire his side to win the coveted trophy, the Portuguese captain will be remembered down the years as a legend in the same class as Eusebio and Luiz Figo.

Losing to Greece at home eight years back was very painful for Ronaldo as a youngster. Now he has the chance to engrave his name into the books of history. The preparations are made, the stage is set, flags are flying high and the build up to the judgement day is intense with wordy wars, hatred, belief and tons of hope, just to be crowned as the Championsof Europe.

Will Portugal, the underdogs, taste the sweetness of victory or will they succumb to a despairing defeat?

Only time will tell…