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Almeida ready to take chance

Image: Hugo Almeida: Insists he is ready to take his chance in the starting XI for Portugal against Spain

Hugo Almeida admits he was disappointed to be left out of the Portugal side earlier in Euro 2012 but is ready to seize his chance against Spain.

Striker poised for semi-final start

Portugal striker Hugo Almeida admits he was disappointed to be left out of the side earlier in the tournament but is ready to seize his chance in the Euro 2012 semi-final against Spain. The Besiktas forward began Portugal's Euro 2012 campaign on the bench, with former Spurs striker Helder Postiga preferred by boss Paulo Bento. However, an injury to Postiga in the 1-0 quarter-final win over Czech Republic means Almeida is set to be promoted to the starting XI for Wednesday's semi-final against Spain. The 28-year-old insists he is ready to take his chance and help Portugal pull off a surprise win against the world and European champions in Donetsk. "I've worked hard to be called into the starting line-up and I'll take this opportunity," he said. "I was a little sad not to be included in the starting line-up but when the opportunity comes you have to be at your very best."

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