Russia team is dominating Group F and after winning all four
games played so far, it is only fair to say that they are favorites to
win the group. Portugal were credited with the first
chance at finishing on top, but right now they are struggling to stay
within striking distance from the leader while overtaking Israel.
Portugal were favorites for winning this group, but Russia have looked
impressive while Portugal perhaps have been a subpar so far. For
instance, they needed an injury time goal to secure a point against
Israel. They actually went 1-0 up in that one, but had to work
themselves out of a 3-1 down hole.
Portugal made it to the semi-finals of the EURO 2012,
but disappointed since, are ranked just 3rd in the World Cup
qualification Group F. A team with players like Christiano Ronaldo,
Fabio Coentrao, Joao Moutinho or Bruno Alves should normally be able to
qualify for a major tournament, but they actually couldn't even beat
Northern Ireland (1:1) at home, played only 3:3 in Israel and even had
big problems when beat Luxembourg only 2:1. As they also lost 0:1 in
Russia, chances to win the group and get directly qualified have become
tiny. At least three of Portugal's four remaining matches are played at
home, so Portugal should be able to get second, if they not lose to
Russia on Friday.
Not only have Russia won all four games so far, they havent conceded a
goal yet. With their technical, well composed football Russia is a force
in today's game. Many tipped them to do well in the European
Championship, but perhaps it is only now we get to see what Russia is
capable of.
Portugal vs Russia
WC Qualification Europe: Group F
Match date: 7 June 2013 _ Kick Off Time: 19:45 GMT
Venue: Da Luz, Lisbon
Venue: Da Luz, Lisbon
Referee: Damir Skomina (Slovenia)
Possible line-ups:
Portugal (4-3-3): Patricio – Pereira, Alves, R. Costa, Coentrao – Moutinho, Veloso, Meireles – Nani, Postiga, Ronaldo.
Russia (4-3-3): Akinfeev – Nababkin, V. Berezutski, Ignashevich, D. Kombarov – Shirokov, Denisov, Faizulin – Bystrov, Kerzhakov, Samedov.
Head-to-Head:
Last meeting: 12 October 2012, Russia - Portugal 1:0
Wins Portugal: 4 - Wins Russia: 2
Draws: 1