Portugal v Holland preview - Dutch out to avoid early elimination in Kharkiv

Posted Sunday, June 17, 2012 by skysports.com

Portugal v Holland preview - Dutch out to avoid early elimination in Kharkiv
Paulo Bento: Looking to guide Portugal into the quarter-finals of Euro 2012

Battling

A win would see the Portuguese safely through to the quarter-finals, so that is what they will be looking for.

They displayed commendable battling qualities to snatch a late winner in their last outing against Denmark, having seen a two-goal lead slip, and will feel that there is still more to come from their big hitters - in particular, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Portugal coach Paulo Bento said: "We know what Holland's strategy will be from the start. You see it with all Dutch teams. They like to have the ball and control the game.

"But this doesn't mean we have to rely on counter-attacks. We have to try to control the game, not only in terms of our defending but also by having possession of the ball and looking for shots at goal.

"We want to win the game and take the three points, and then we'll see what happens."

His Dutch counterpart Bert van Marwijk is clinging to the belief that his side can still progress, and is ready to go for broke this weekend.

Patient

He told UEFA's official website: "We think Germany will beat Denmark and so we have to win against Portugal.

"History tells us they are not the easiest opponents for us so we need to be patient. But we also have to play in a way in which enables us to score, and I'm convinced that if we score once, we will get a second."

Van Marwijk has a fully fit squad from which to select, with all 23 players having taken part in a closed training session on Friday evening.

He has, however, admitted that - following two defeats - changes are on the cards and the likes of Klass-Jan Huntelaar and Rafael van der Vaart will be hoping to earn starting berths.

Portugal are also at full strength, with reserve defender Miguel Lopes returning to training on Friday after shaking off a cold.

Bento named the same starting XI against Germany and Denmark and is unlikely to shuffle his pack for a crucial encounter in Kharkiv.

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