Today sees the resumption of a titanic battle between two old enemies. An El Clasico if you like, but the international version. Remember Nuno Gomes’s winner at Euro 2004? Or David Villa’s effort that sent the Portuguese home two years ago from South Africa? Well, there’s far more at stake in Donetsk and there’s one question that needs answering… will former Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana make it onto the pitch?
With a place in the Euro 2012 Final up for grabs I doubt it, as the two neighbours will battle it out for the opportunity to take on the Germans or the Italians in Kiev on Sunday. Personal rivalries are evident all over the field; indeed the game almost has a Barcelona vs. Real Madrid feel about it. It’s Ronaldo vs. Gerard Pique, Cesc Fabregas vs. Pepe and Andreas Iniesta vs. Fabio Coentrao. Given the explosive nature of the games between the two Spanish clubs this season, these match-ups are worth the entrance fee alone. Will Real Madrid’s Portuguese contingent triumph as they have done all season? Or will the Spaniards take their revenge in Barcelona’s honour?
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Vicente Del Bosque’s side start as the obvious favourites, being defending European and World Champions and the winners of a difficult Pool C, where they saw off the likes of Italy, Croatia and the Republic of Ireland before beating France in the quarters to get this far. Portugal have found it much tougher, losing to Germany, before seeing off the Danes and the Dutch, and finally defeating the Czech Republic in the last round. Paulo Bento’s men are looking to spring a surprise though and with Ronaldo in red hot form, who would bet against them?
For the best way to enjoy the game, come and join Football FanCast for a LIVE experience where you can contribute your thoughts and opinions through our direct LIVE blog. And let’s be honest, it’ll be more interesting than listening to Lee Dixon and Alan Hansen’s half-time analysis…
