Poland vs Portugal Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Nations League, October 12, 2024

Preview

• Date: Saturday, October 12
• Kick-off Time: 6:45 pm GMT
• Venue: Stadion Narodowy, Poland

Poland will be welcoming Portugal for a keenly anticipated encounter in the UEFA Nations League A Group 1. Poland vs Portugal will be played as a part of matchday three of the Nations League 2024/25 on Saturday evening. The top spot in the group is occupied by the Portuguese with six wins from the opening two matches. Poland, on the other hand, is at third with three points from two outings. The top two nations from the group will qualify for the championship playoff while the third-placed team will have to contest the relegation qualification.

The Poland National Team will be disappointed with how the recent results have played out. In the last six games, the country has managed just two victories along with three defeats and a draw. Poland endured a difficult time at the Euro 2024, finishing at the bottom of the group. Michal Probierz will have to address the defensive issues as Poland has not kept a clean sheet in seven games. The 30ᵗʰ ranked national team in the world won its first game against Scotland in the group but faced defeat against Croatia.

Portugal did manage to reach the quarter-finals of the European Championship. Nevertheless, the supporters and coaching staff would have taken more negatives than positives from the tournament. Portugal’s underwhelming displays were once again the greatest hurdle between the national team and its goals. The Nations League, though, has been a fresh start for Roberto Martinez with two victories from two. The Spanish coach is under a lot of pressure and is facing the heat from the fanbase. The October round of international fixtures will outline a better picture of his future.

Poland National Football Team News

The Poles will go into the fixture on Saturday without the services of Mateusz Wieteska. The defender is battling a thigh injury and is not expected to return before late October. The rest of the squad will be available at Michal Probierz’s disposal.

Portugal National Football Team News

Roberto Martinez has named Cristiano Ronaldo in his squad. Ronaldo will be joined by a plethora of talent in the attack. Goncalo Inacio will not be able to take part against Poland due to a muscle injury which will keep him out until November. Martinez is expected to go in with the 4-3-3 formation.

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Poland vs Portugal Predicted Lineups

Poland National Football Team Predicted Lineup (5-3-2)

Goalkeeper: Skorupski

Defenders: Kaminski, Kiwior, Bednarek, Dawidowicz, Zalewski

Midfielders: Szymanski, Urbanski, Zielinski

Forwards: Piatek, Lewandowski

Portugal National Football Team Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Costa

Defenders: Dalot, Dias, A. Silva, Mendes

Midfielders: B. Silva, Fernandes, Vitinha

Forwards: Neto, Ronaldo, Leao

Poland vs Portugal H2H Record

Portugal has not lost to Poland in the last five head-to-head meetings. The last five encounters between the two sides have ended in three victories for Portugal and two draws. One of the triumphs included the 2016 UEFA Euro quarter-finals which the Portuguese won on penalties.

Key Players to Watch in Poland vs Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

The great man will be back in Europe for Portugal’s games against Poland and Scotland. Cristiano Ronaldo will be the oldest player in the Portugal camp. There were several rumours and suggestions about the 39-year-old retiring from international football after a weak display in Germany in the Euros. Ronaldo, though, has continued to make himself available and Roberto Martinez has felt no hesitation in selecting him. The former Real Madrid man has two goals already in the current edition of the Nations League. He has 132 goals in 212 games with the national side, making him the outright top goalscorer in international football.

Robert Lewandowski (Poland)

Just as crucial as Cristiano Ronaldo is for Portugal, the importance of Robert Lewandowski to Poland cannot be undermined. The Barcelona number nine has been a rare sparkle for Poland during a disappointing period for the country. Lewandowski has enjoyed a magical start to the season with Barcelona, registering 10 goals in La Liga already. The 36-year-old is at the top of the European Golden Boot race. He has a goal and an assist to his name in the Nations League this year. The centre forward will have a challenging outing against a resilient Portuguese defence but Poland’s best bet at obtaining a result will rest on his shoulders.

Poland vs Portugal Prediction

Recent years have proved that Portugal is not the most tactically prudent and able side in the world. However, the individual quality in the squad cannot be overlooked with Roberto Martinez blessed with multiple world-class options in practically every position. The Poland players will not be able to keep up with the prowess of their opponents.

Predicted Score: Poland 1-3 Portugal

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