Portugal vs. Scotland: Preview

After starting their UEFA Nations League campaign with a win, Portugal will aim for a second victory on Sunday night when they host Scotland at Estadio da Luz. Portugal’s campaign began on a high note with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring his 900th career goal in a 2-1 victory over Croatia.

Diogo Dalot, having set up Ronaldo’s milestone goal, had earlier put Portugal ahead with a goal of his own, though an own goal by him later narrowed the lead. Following their quarter-final exit from Euro 2024, Portugal responded positively, with Ronaldo silencing any doubts about his place in the national team.

Under head coach Roberto Martinez, who aims to lead Portugal to another Nations League title after their 2019 win, the team looks to secure maximum points in their home fixtures. Even a second-place finish in Group 1 would suffice to reach the quarter-finals in the expanded format.

Photo byPeter GlaseronUnsplash

Portugal vs. Scotland: Team Form and Head-to-Head

Scotland, have struggled historically against Portugal, having lost in all but two of their previous encounters. Despite recent progress under Steve Clarke, including reaching consecutive European Championship finals and moving up to the top tier of the Nations League, Scotland’s recent form has been poor.

They suffered a late defeat against Poland this week, losing 3-2 after a last-minute penalty, and have conceded 17 goals in eight matches this year. With just one win from 13 games in 2024, Clarke faces pressure to avoid another loss, especially given the risk of relegation. Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martinez, has shown flexibility in tactics, switching formations during matches, so either a back four or a back three could be used.

Roberto Martinez is aware that his team must enhance their performance to secure another trophy, especially after a lackluster second half where Croatia outperformed them. Martinez’s tactical adjustments seemed to disrupt their play, as the focus shifted to preserving the lead rather than increasing their goal tally.

Team News

In Portugal’s squad, Pedro Goncalves and Francisco Trincao have been recalled and will compete with Rafael Leao and Pedro Neto for spots alongside Ronaldo. Martinez might also rotate his squad, potentially including Nelson Semedo and Joao Neves in the starting lineup.

Scotland, now without Celtic captain Callum McGregor who retired from international duty, may see Ryan Gauld and Ben Doak make their debuts. Torino striker Che Adams is out injured, so Lawrence Shankland or Lyndon Dykes will likely lead the attack. Scott McTominay, with 10 international goals, is expected to pose a significant threat from midfield.

Portugal vs. Scotland: Probable Starting XI

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

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This article was written by Janieel Kariya