Minus Nani, Portugal Players Psychological Condition not Bothered

Portugal 3  vs Mozambique 0

Johannesburg – Missing Nani because of collarbone injury did not create the psychological conditions of Portugal players disrupted. They still look mighty tense match against Mozambique in the early hours testing yesterday (9 / 6). The result, Carlos Queiroz’s team won by a convincing score, 3-0.

These results are quite satisfactory. Because, Queiroz did not play his best squad in the first half. Icons as well as team captain Cristiano Ronaldo is not even appear until the 63rd minute. Three goals of Selecao das Quinas – Portugal team alias – donated by Danny on 52 minutes and Hugo Almeida in the 75th minute and the 83rd.

"In my opinion, Portugal getting better. We succesfully passing  the final stages of preparation. The players condition is also fine," Ronaldo said as quoted by Sky Sports. "It was the third African team we faced in the trial. The result is the best. I believe that we are ready to face the World Cup 2010," continued the Real Madrid star.

Ronaldo’s statement was not excessive. In the trial yesterday, the appearance of Portugal’s more mature than when held 0-0 by 117th-ranked country, Cape Verde (25 / 5), and the defeat of Cameroon which is only playing with ten men on June 1 with the score 3-1 .

There are significant differences between first and second round, when Ronaldo was played. In the first half, despite the consistent attack, many opportunities failed to be scored. Ronaldo’s absence makes the front-line coordination is not running. The proof, although Queiroz played three attackers at once, ie, Liedson, Simao, and Danny, there is no goal created until halftime.

New goals unresolved deadlock early in the second half. Receive mature feedback from Deco, Portugal’s Danny opened the score through a short range shot that outwit Mozambique goalkeeper Otshudi Lama.

Portugal attacking power increased after Ronaldo entered. More maneuvers threaten The Mambas – Mozambique alias – penalty box. In the 75th minute, Slick cooperation between Danny Almeida the Portugal second goal. Seven minutes ahead before the game ended, hard kick of this 25 years old player can not be catch perfectly. Then, Almeida convert the ball gag so that it becomes a goal.

According to Ronaldo, matches against three teams in African trials is a special preparation to face Ivory Coast. Indeed, among the three opponents that test, only the Cameroonian whose quality can be equated with Didier Drogba et al. However, when look at the game charts that risen, the former Manchester United star is convinced that his team is in maximum preparation.

"Portugal is now in the best shape. Our team also has changed much from what one might imagine. We spent a lot of time together before the tournament. It helps improve the solidity," said Ronaldo.

In addition to the Ivory Coast, Portugal will be a group with Brazil and North Korea. Many people calls group G as the most severe. However, Ronaldo believes he can handle it. "I know that competition in our group was much heavier than the trial game." he said. 

The Players

Portugal (4-3-3): 1-Eduardo (g); 13-Miguel, 6-Ricardo Carvalho, 2-Bruno Alves, 23-Fabio Coentrao; 8-Pedro Mendes / Pepe (76 ‘), 16-Raul Meireles / Miguel Veloso (60 ‘), 20-Deco/Tiago (60′); 10-Danny/Duda (86 ‘), 9-Liedson/Hugo Almeida (45′), 11-Simao Sabrosa / Cristiano Ronaldo (63 ‘)

Mozambique (4-4-2): 12-Old; 16-Campira, 17-Mexer, 13-Fanuel, 5-Paito; 2-Momed Hagi, 4-Simao, 3-Genito, 7-Domingues; 10-Jerry 8-Fumo

Queiroz is very sad about Nani

Nani’s absence was a blow for the Portugal players. That’s because , the 23-year-old Manchester United winger is one of the important players for Seleccao das Quinas-Portugal alias. Nani on the left-wing movement, plus Ronaldo on the right, making Portugal attack can flow from all directions.

Coach Carlos Queiroz is very upset with the injury of Nani. Understandably, the 57 years old architects is close enough to the player with the real name Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha. In Queiroz hand, the performance of that young children to thrive. In fact, he has scored five goals for Portugal, three of them occurred in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

"Now we have to solve this problem. We have to establish a closer unity of the team. We come together and play with big ambitions. That’s what I want," said Queiroz to Capital Sports.

"We will greatly miss Nani. He’s a great player and he was injured when his performance is good. His absence would technically affect our performances," continues Danny, Portugal goalie.

Nani’s absence adds a long list of players who can not perform in 2010 World Cup because of injury. In Portugali squad, he followed a determined defender Jose Bosingwa, out early last March because of left knee injury. These conditions make Queiroz lost confidence.

However, in the midst of grief over  Nani injury, Portugal welcomes the return of central defender Pepe. Yesterday (9 / 6), that Real Madrid defender had grazed for the first time since December last year. Despite only appearing for 15 minutes (replaces Pedro Mendes), Pepe was very happy. He feels fit and optimistic can appear in the Portugal first game against Ivory Coast, 15 June.

"I thank the medical staff of Real Madrid and England. I never worry. I’ve worked hard to recover and now I have to work hard to deliver Portugal as a champion," said Pepe told TVI.

He made Queiroz frantic while suffering serious knee ligament injury while defending Real to fight Valencia in the Primera Liga competition, December 2009. He was sentenced to six months and threatened absences can not defend Portugal in the World Cup. Apparently, the recovery process run on time. Now he has joined the regular team of Portugal since the first week of training camp.

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