Watch Ukraine vs Sweden live stream free online - EURO 2012
Group B
16:00 +00:00, June 13, 2012
Arena Lviv, Ukraine
Robin HackettCristiano Ronaldo had expressed a belief that Portugal would emerge from this year's Group of Death, but defeat to Germany - while not entirely unexpected - has complicated the task. "Losing is a word we can't even let enter our minds," midfielder Miguel Veloso said ahead of a game against Denmark that could lead to a first group-stage exit in Portugal's history.
Denmark have reason to be bullish. They had been deemed the weakest link in Group B, and yet a hard-fought 1-0 victory over World Cup finalists Netherlands in their opener now offers real hope of progress. Furthermore, their recent record against Portugal is encouraging: in the teams' four clashes in the last four years, they have won twice and drawn once, and finished ahead of the Iberians in qualifying.
Portugal, though, have perhaps deserved more from their recent meetings although, given the regularity with which they have missed chances in recent times, it must be considered a failing rather than mere bad luck. Even so, they will certainly feel that - if they do take their chances - they can claim three points. "We will try to continue on our path and play well," Portugal coach Paulo Bento said. "Let's work to be a little more efficient and look for the luck we've been missing in recent games."
Portugal have a fully fit squad to choose from for the match, and Helder Postiga may find his place under threat from Hugo Almeida, who has recovered from illness. Denmark are expected to field Michael Silberbauer in place of left-back Simon Poulsen to help counter Ronaldo, while goalkeeper Stephan Andersen should keep his place after keeping a clean sheet against Netherlands.
Denmark player to watch: Simon Kjaer. While the excellent Michael Krohn-Dehli took most of the headlines against Netherlands, the Danes' rearguard action was ultimately just as important in denying the Dutch, and Kjaer was superb. He has not had the best of seasons on loan with Roma despite previous success in Serie A with Palermo, but alongside Daniel Agger he showed the kind of form that had once made him one of the most sought-after young defenders in Europe.
He is confident of a repeat performance against the Portuguese. "We have closed down Cristiano Ronaldo before and we firmly believe we can do it again," Kjaer said. "He has got unique individual skills but we have shown before that we can cope with him as a team and we believe that we can defeat Portugal again."
Portugal player to watch: Nani. Denmark have particular reason to look out for Nani on Wednesday night: three of his 13 international goals to date have come against them. "He is a player who always produces the unexpected," Denmark goalkeeper, and Manchester United team-mate, Anders Lindegaard told bold.dk. "He can explode into action out of nowhere and decide matches, so he's obviously one we need to watch out for."
With Portugal struggling for goals, there is talk Nani could be shifted into a more central role against the Danes, but he has played down those suggestions as he feels playing on the wing is more "natural" to him. Even so, he does not expect an easy ride. "I am not going to have much space once the game begins," Nani said. "Denmark will be clever. They are not going to attack in a gung-ho fashion."
Key Battle: Michael Silberbauer v Cristiano Ronaldo Benfica youngster Nelson Oliveira could be given the chance to shine after he impressed during a cameo appearance against Germany, but inevitably the spotlight will be on Ronaldo. He has not always been at his best at international tournaments, but there was a latent potency to his display in the opener that suggested he could yet inspire his country this summer.
He will come up against Silberbauer, who has been charged with man-making the Real Madrid star in the last four meetings between the teams and has, for the most part, performed admirably. "Ronaldo is fast and technically is extremely good," Silberbauer, who insists he is not certain of starting the game, told Nordjyske. "One thing is for certain: you cannot stand alone against Ronaldo for an entire match. You need a little help from your team-mates."
Trivia: Prior to their defeat against Germany, Portugal had lost their European Championship opener only once before: Greece defeated them in the first game of Euro 2004, when both sides went on to reach the final.
Stats: Nicklas Bendtner has scored in four of Denmark's last five meetings with Portugal.
Odds: Denmark 4.33, the draw 3.40 and Portugal 1.90 with bet365. Nicklas Bendtner is available at 9.50 as first goal-scorer.
Prediction: Denmark have shown they are no pushovers, but Portugal have to be considered favourites to claim a narrow victory to keep their European dream alive.
