Bento: Portugal must keep the ball against Netherlands

Jun 16, 2012 6:35:00 PM

The 42-year-old says his side cannot rely on counter-attacks in their Group B crunch tie against Oranje, and also revealed his take on German and Spanish success

Portugal coach Paulo Bento says his side cannot simply rely on counter-attacks to get a result in their Group B decider against Netherlands.

The Seleccao managed to claim all three points against Denmark in the second group game thanks to a late strike from Silvestre Varela.

That goal kept the Portugal's Euro 2012 hopes alive, but they still have to beat a demoralised Dutch team to ensure their place in the last eight.

And the 42-year-old Portugal says he knows how to set up his side for the crucial game on Sunday, underlining the importance of keeping the ball.

"Well we know what their tactics are," he told Uefa.com.

"The Dutch team like to have the ball and dictate the game. They have always had a great technical quality but this cannot let us rely on counterattacks – we need to possess the ball too."

It was suggested that the Netherlands hold the advantage ahead of the fixture in Kharkiv, after having already played both their group games in the city. However, Bento says that aspect should have no influence on the outcome.

He continued: "I don't think the Netherlands have an advantage because they've played here twice. We haven't been there yet, but those aspects won't have any influence.

"What matters is the effort put in, the tactics implemented and we have to be ready to sacrifice. We have already shown great defensive quality."

Bento went on to state that he believes that Spain and Germany's impressive international performances are largely down to the fact most of their team play together at club level.

"We already knew that Germany would be strong, competitive, consistent opponents, Spain are also strong," he added.

"It's important to analyse the basis of this: the players in these teams are concentrated in one or two clubs and this makes it easier for them to play together."

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