U-20 FIFA World Cup: Kiwis facing 'big challenge'

New Zealand defender Sam Brotherton will be assigned a marking role. Photo / Dean Purcell

Portugal full of skilled players but their structured play might be some help for NZ

As far as second round opponents at this Under-20 World Cup, they don't come much tougher that what the Junior All Whites will face tomorrow.

Portugal. Boy-o-boy. As a nation they are renowned for great porto, a lot of cork, stunning beaches and prodigiously talented footballers, especially at youth levels.

For a relatively small nation (population 10.5 million) they have produced an impressive amount of talent, from Eusebio and Luis Figo, to Rui Costa and Christiano Ronaldo.

"When it comes to styles, Portugal always has that impressive blend of two continents," said former Junior All Whites coach Chris Milicich. "In some ways they are very Latin in their style, the closest thing to a South American team in Europe. But they also have a pragmatic approach and it's an ideal mix; technique and talent, along with a hard edge."

Milicich was in charge of the last Junior All Whites side to face Portugal, at the 2011 Under-20 World Cup, losing 1-0 to the Iberian team after creditable draws with Cameroon and Uruguay.

"They were good, very good," said Milicich. "They had Nelson Oliveira - who is now leading the line at Swansea - and others now starting in La Liga and Serie A. They reached the final, losing only to Brazil."

The 2015 edition of A Seleccao may not have the same individual standouts but they look a complete unit; if Portugal aren't the best team at this World Cup, they are close to it. Germany have been ruthlessly efficient but judgment needs to be reserved, given they were placed in the weakest group in the tournament. Brazil, Nigeria, Ghana and Ukraine have all impressed at times, but haven't been as consistent as the Portuguese who came through a tough group (Colombia, Senegal, Qatar) unscathed.

"They have been scoring goals at will," said Milicich. "No one has been able to stop them so far."

However Milicich sees the structural discipline of the Portuguese as an opportunity for the home side.

"Like most European teams - and unlike many South American or African teams - players tend to stick to their positions and structure rather than roaming," said Milicich. "In a way that makes it easier to defend them, though nothing will be easy tomorrow."

Captain Bill Tuiloma will have a key role. As the most capable - and quickest - defender on the team, he is likely to be retained in central defence. He's also assured in possession and will need to ensure the New Zealanders can retain whatever scraps come their way. Fellow defender Sam Brotherton may be assigned a man marking role, to stop the dangerous Andre Silva or Ivo.

Portugal are one of only three countries (along with Argentina and Brazil) to have won multiple Under-20 World Cups (in 1989 and 1991).

"It's a big challenge," said Junior All Whites coach Darren Bazeley. "But stuff happens - we have seen the Fiji result. I like being an underdog [and] there will be more pressure on Portugal, they will be expected to win. We can't lose anything going into this game. We've got out of the group, made that bit of history and now we have a chance to really do something special."