Group F: Turkey, Georgia, Portugal, Czech Republic

[carolinablue232]

I'm gonna put a euro or two on Portugal. They've got some cracking players.

They’re the value team for me. Them and Belgium. Belgians should have a straight path to the quarters. More than likely France at that point but they’ll at least have a chance in that game.

 

[Billy Dean]

I'm gonna put a euro or two on Portugal. They've got some cracking players.

Weird how so little people are talking about them as potential champs.

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

I think Portugal have a really good chance to win this

It will all come down to whether Martinez has the tactical flexibility against the tougher sides

He’ll be fine with managing the ego’s I think

Most of it in the early stages will be essentially telling Strawberry to hit a home run

 

[YoboCopter]

Portugal seem a great bet

Will jota start?

Outsider for golden boot if he does he scores all time

 

[TheBigIguana]

Portugal seem a great bet

Will jota start?

Outsider for golden boot if he does he scores all time

Don’t count out Roberto Martinez mate

 

[Nymzee]

Got Portugal in the sweepstake hurrah

 

[Drico]

Don’t count out Roberto Martinez mate

Yes. This is the deal-breaker for me. Him and the fact that Ronaldo will inevitably clog up the system with ego and obsolescence.

 

[carolinablue232]

Yes. This is the deal-breaker for me. Him and the fact that Ronaldo will inevitably clog up the system with ego and obsolescence.

That’s the worry isn’t it. I can fully imagine a scenario where Ronaldo causes a bust up or Bobby is just too spineless to not play him when it’s not working.

 

[gonetomorrow]

All eyes on Ronaldo will allow Fernandez and Bernardo to cash in.
I'm excited!

 

[Drico]

As much as Portugal will be a threat, if Pepe and Ronaldo are starters then I think they can be ruled out as contenders to win.

Off the bench or part of the squad, different. But I wonder will they overpower their weak coach and become fixtures in the side despite being 40.

 

[BainesontoastNEW]

As much as Portugal will be a threat, if Pepe and Ronaldo are starters then I think they can be ruled out as contenders to win.

Off the bench or part of the squad, different. But I wonder will they overpower their weak coach and become fixtures in the side despite being 40.

Disagree somewhat on Ronaldo. We both know his metabolic age isn't that of a regular 39 year old, he's still in prime condition. Moreover, just look at what Stanciu did for Romanian the other day. Ronaldo has a better strike-rate than him in the Middle East. I actually quite fancy him to deliver one last time if he starts, especially considering Portugal's favourable group.

 

[Nymzee]

Looking forward to todays games. Think it’s a Turkey and Portugal win.

 

[Raino85]

Weird how so little people are talking about them as potential champs.

What about tall people?

 

[Billy Dean]

What about tall people?

Tall people have been talking about it a lot to be fair to them

 

[Drico]

Disagree somewhat on Ronaldo. We both know his metabolic age isn't that of a regular 39 year old, he's still in prime condition. Moreover, just look at what Stanciu did for Romanian the other day. Ronaldo has a better strike-rate than him in the Middle East. I actually quite fancy him to deliver one last time if he starts, especially considering Portugal's favourable group.

The best counter argument isn't so much Stanciu and his one-off moment of brilliance, but the incredible performance of Ngolo Kante last night. Portugal, on the face of things, are major contenders, but then I put Pepe's presence, Ronaldo's presence, and Bobby Brown Shoes's presence together and start backing away slowly...

Then again, maybe Pepe doesn't play and maybe Ronaldo is inspired, as you say. But you've still got Martinez in there being cheerfully ideological...