Portugal - Turkey

Portugal, as one of the favorites of EURO 2008, will face a Turkey in the first round of their group stage of competition. It won’t be easy task for a Scolari’s team even though Turkey is the one of the weakest teams at the tournament. Turkey selector Terim is also called “Imperator” in his country due to though defence, so he won't change his style here.

However, we will see are Portugal players ready for the great results. The first match on the tournament is usually the most important, especially when you are in favorite role. The best prove of high pressure and expectations are 12000 Portuguese supporters at Geneva where they will start EURO 2008 campaign. The main problem for Scolari in qualification period were away matches. Now system of the competition is completely different, but the same problem will be in the heads of his players. Scolari has to improve mental strength and team spirit especially against big names, but Turkey will be real test at the beginning of competition. I am sure that they will have ball possession on their side but it is a question of efficiency. One goal could decide the winner, so current inspiration of Portuguese stars will be crucial for their success.

Terim has answer for Scolaris tactics. His team will sit back and wait opportunity from counter attacks. Defence is the crucial part of his team and Turkey hope that they could collect points keeping their sheet clean. Against Portugal they will have hard job to do, but positive result at the half time will be a great step towards success. Key part of the match will be between 20 and 45 minutes and all pressure will be on the midfield which players have to keep ball away from Turkey’s goal as much as they can. Emre and Nihat will be crucial players in counterattacks, so one good action could give advantage for Turkey.

I don’t believe in easy Portugal victory. Too many stars in the team and lot of talk about new transfers around Cristiano Ronaldo could bring a lot of headache, lack of concentration to Scolari’s players. I think that Terim, as experienced coach, will find the way to keep Portugal players away from goal in the first half, while in the second everything is possible. Scolars’s players could become nervous in the last third of the match and it could make them even more frustrated. My choice is draw here with a smaller stake. Bet 4 at 3.40 on draw with Bet365.