*** Official Spain v Portugal Round of 16 thread ***

[Mark (Blue Army)]

[center] v
Venue: Cape Town
Date: Tuesday, 29 June 2010
Kick-off: 19:30[/center]

TEAM NEWS

Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso is a major doubt with a sprained ankle, so Javier Martinez is on standby to replace him. Reserve defender Raul Albiol is definitely out of this match after damaging ankle ligaments during training.

Deco is available again for Portugal after a hip injury, so coach Carlos Queiroz must decide whether to restore him to the starting line-up. Hugo Almeida or Liedson will come back into the team as Danny is expected to miss the game with a badly bruised leg.

One booking from suspension: Almeida, Coentrao, Duda, Mendes, Pepe, Ronaldo, Tiago (Portugal)

[Lev Bronstein]

I'd love to see a free flowing skillful game. I've got a horrible feeling that it'll be a cagey, tense affair and wouldn't be surprised if it went to penalties after a low scoring draw.

[Beefymcfc]

Looking forward to this.

[Green & Blue]

That left back for Portugal Fabio Coentrao looks a very good wing back, very useful going forward.

[Slim]

82 possible minutes left and the commentator is already talking about a penalty shootout.

[Beefymcfc]

Very interesting game, Spain obviously playing the better football but not really getting the final ball right whilst Portugal look very good on the break.

Who will score first, if anyone?

[Slim]

Portugal, their direct approach has given them the better chances.

Spain fanny about like Arsenal trying to walk the ball into the net.

[Original Dub]

Agreed with the Spain/Arse comparisson.... even Spain/Barca towards the end of their champs league run...

There's something missing from Spain - STEEL.

I think Argie have it, I think the Germans have it and I even think Brazil have steel, but Spain don't IMO.

That said, I think they'll win this because Portugal always know when its time to leave the show...

[Beefymcfc]

Very true Slim, they seem to want to walk it in but sometimes it works as we've seen already.

On another note, listening to the BBC commentary it's so plain to see how Hansen is so out-classed by the likes of Klinsmann. He's been a breath of fresh-air when the analysis comes on and even more with topical points.

Jocks or Krauts????? I'll go for the latter ;-)

[Goataldo]

Hansen has become a self parody. Super-dour.

Glad Torres has gone off, he's playing like Rooney.

This game is pass, nip, pass, tuck, foul. I reckon it'll liven up if they bring Fabregas on.

[Slim]

Okay, that made me laugh.

Portuguese player running along the byline and plays a one-two.

Well, the idiot and his mate must have been the only ones in the entire stadium who didn't see an offside coming.

[Goataldo]

Golgolgolgolgol!

in my face!

[Original Dub]

What a build up.

Looks like my Tevez top scorer at 33/1 is taking a hammering.

David Villa rules.

[Beefymcfc]

It was coming!

[Beefymcfc]

You've gotta love it ain't ya! Llorente has his shirt ripped apart by Carvalho and gets sent off the pitch to get it changed, then isn't allowed back on by the ref. Laughable!

[Beefymcfc]

Has anybody seen Tranny this second half? Seems like the manager doesn't even like him!

[Dronny]

WTF did we see in Villa, has he done anything in this game!

[Slim]

WTF did we see in Villa, has he done anything in this game!

Ummm yeah, I am not sure right now if you are being sarcastic.

[Dronny]

WTF did we see in Villa, has he done anything in this game!

Ummm yeah, I am not sure right now if you are being sarcastic.

[Beefymcfc]

Ha ha ha, and it seems the ref hates the cunt as well. 3 or 4 clear fouls that the ref's let go.

Cheating B'Stardo's ;-)