New Delhi: Portugal will host Scotland in the UEFA Nations League 2024-25 in Estadio Universitario de Lisboa, Lisbon, having started their campaign with a win against Croatia. The match also marked Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo’s 900th career goal, and they now are perched on top of League A Group 1 with the most points.
In Portugal’s previous game, Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot broke the deadlock after receiving the ball from Bruno Fernandes. Ronaldo then completed his historic goal that ensured Portugal won the game 2-1. Playing at home, Selecao were always in control of the game.
Though Portugal arrived in the competition fresh from its quarter-final exit in Euro 2024, they turned up for the game with a positive mindset and a supportive fanbase. The win also put at rest the criticism over the 39-year-old’s decision to continue playing for Portugal. Selecao manager Roberto Martinez, of course, would like to win the tournament. Portugal have the experience and firepower to achieve so having already won the inaugural UEFA Nations league in 2019.
Portugal were close to booking a place in the finals last time but missed out to eventual winners Spain. Martinez would want to finish with the most points from their home matches. However, a second finish in Group 1 ensures that the team would reach the knockout stage as the new format has extended the tournament with quarter-finals.
Though Scotland are nothing like their former self, Steve Clarke has managed to turn the team in a positive direction with consecutive Euros appearances and even reaching the top tier of the Nations League. However, they are still unable to finish strong, as was the case in the opening match against Poland.
In that game, Scotland made a strong comeback after conceding twice in the first half. However, a penalty in the stoppage time saw them lose 3-2 at their home in Hampden Park. Napoli’s new signings, Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay, both had managed to get on the scoreboard but were clearly outdone by a late challenge.
In eight matches this year alone, Scotland conceded 13 times, including a late goal from Hungary in Euro 2024, as the Tartan army saw their team leave the tournament with just three points. They have won just once in the entire 2024 calendar, and the team is under to avoid another defeat. If they finish 3rd and 4th, they could be relegated. Portugal is a strong side, and beating them will be the toughest challenge Scotland has in their hand.
Team News
Martinez has often pulled a surprise with his tactics and his squad selection. During their game against Croatia, he switched to a back three from four halfway through the game. With both Pedro Goncalves and Francisco Trincao recalled to the side this month, they will compete with Rafael Leao and Pedro Neto to feature by Ronaldo, who will definitely feature in the starting XI in the front.
The last match also saw Nelson Semedo and Joao Neves introduced at halftime, and either both or one of them will be advanced in the starting XI. Martinez does have the luxury of having enough talent in his squad to afford to rotate his players.
Following Callum McGregor’s retirement, Clarke decided that Ryan Gauld and Ben Doak should make their senior team debut in the previous game. However, it is expected that they opt for a more experienced XI this time. They are already without their seasoned campaigner Kieran Tierney, who is still on the sidelines following his hamstring injury in the Euros.
Striker Che Adams withdrew from the tournament due to injury, which means Lawrence Shankland or Lydon Dykeswill will lead the line in the game. McTominay will cause the most trouble for the host as he comes to the game, having just scored his 10th international goal in the last game.
Head to Head
Portugal so far have won eight times and have played three draw games with Scotland. Scotland won four times against Portugal, though they haven’t won against Portugal since 1980 and have managed two goalless draws.
Predicted Lineup
Portugal:
Costa; Dalot, Dias, A. Silva, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha; B. Silva, Fernandes, Leao; Ronaldo
Scotland:
Gunn; Ralston, Hanley, McKenna, Robertson; McClean, Gilmour; McGinn, McTominay, Christie; Dykes
Where to watch
Portugal vs Scotland will be live broadcasted on Sony Sports Network and live streamed on SonyLiv at 12:15 A.M. IST, 8th August 2024. Sweden will face Estonia at 12:15 A.M IST. Croatia will play Poland at 12:15 A.M IST.
Early Predictions
Given how Portugal played in the last game and how their star players have turned up for the tournament, the stars do favour the hosts more. Scotland have to play their best game even to come close to winning the game. Portugal will likely win 3-0 over Scotland.
UEFA Nations League 2024/25: Portugal will take on Scotland in their home ground, here’s a look at the two sides as they come into the game with contrasting opening matches. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
