Portugal will likely be searching for to proceed their tremendous file in opposition to Denmark tomorrow to take a step in direction of the UEFA Nations League ultimate 4.
The Seleção face the Scandinavians within the first leg of the Group A playoffs in Copenhagen, hoping to come back away with a constructive end result that may permit them to complete the job in Lisbon on Sunday.
All eyes will likely be on the lineup Roberto Martínez selects, with Portuguese followers hoping Vitinha and João Neves are given the possibility to rekindle a partnership within the worldwide area that has borne spectacular outcomes at membership stage.
After an virtually excellent qualifying marketing campaign for Euro 2024, coach Roberto Martínez’s honeymoon interval has ended within the wake of a less-than-impressive displaying on the match in Germany.
The Spaniard’s assertion earlier this week that he was the one that first considered pairing up Vitinha and Neves on the coronary heart of midfield – the duo performed collectively in a pre-Euro 2024 pleasant – raised eyebrows among the many Portuguese press provided that through the match itself the 2 gamers shared the identical pitch for exactly… zero minutes.
That should absolutely change tomorrow. PSG’s sensible shows in opposition to Liverpool within the Champions League present ample proof that the 2 gamers are prepared for soccer on the highest stage and that their completely different types completely complement one another.
Neves is anticipated to come back right into a three-man midfield alongside Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes.
Predicted Portugal lineup (4-3-3):
Diogo Costa; Diogo Dalot, Gonçalo Inácio, Rúben Dias, Nuno Mendes; João Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes; Rafael Leão, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto
Denmark gamers to look out for
Younger striker Rasmus Højlund ended a three-month barren spell with out a objective by scoring for Manchester United on the weekend, however it will be no shock if the same old starter at centre-forward started on the bench. That’s as a result of Monaco sensation Mika Biereth, additionally solely 22 years outdated, has made a robust case to steer the road having netted 11 objectives in 12 video games (plus 3 assists) for the Ligue 1 membership since signing in January.
One other thrilling up-and-coming ahead Gustav Isaksen has impressed at Lazio this season, and with Sporting teenager Conrad More durable additionally eyeing his debut, Denmark have loads of younger attacking power to throw at Portugal within the ahead positions.
In distinction, veteran Christian Eriksen continues to drag the strings for the Danes, whereas Kasper Schmiechel continues to be between the sticks for the Nordic staff, each gamers with a wealth of expertise. Anchoring midfield will likely be Morten Hjulmand, who has made such a constructive affect in Portugal since arriving final season.
Head-to-head file
Portugal have a superb file in opposition to the Danes, successful 11 and shedding simply three of 16 matches in whole, with two attracts.
The Seleção have come out on high the final 3 times the groups have met, however every time by a single objective. Portugal gained a memorable roller-coaster match 3-2 at Euro 2012 because of a dramatic late winner by Silvestre Varela (pictured) after letting an early two-goal lead slip.
Drawn in the identical qualifying group for the 2016 European Championship, Portugal edged each video games 1-0 beneath Fernando Santos, with the Seleção happening to carry the trophy in France. Qualification was clinched with victory in Braga, João Moutinho scoring the objective. That sport was in October 2015, which means virtually a decade has passed by with out the 2 nations going through one another.
Quote / unquote
Roberto Martínez, Portugal coach:
“How will we method the sport? It’s easy. We should be at our greatest stage. This stadium has an unbelievable environment. I actually just like the Denmark coach’s concepts. I do know him effectively from his work at Anderlecht and Brentford. He likes his groups to press excessive, take dangers and play eye to eye in opposition to anybody. That’s what they did in opposition to Spain. That is solely the primary half, however we’ve to be at our greatest.
“We have to defend effectively, however we wish to win. I don’t consider we are able to play for 90 minutes making an attempt to play a unique sport. We’re a staff that likes having the ball, controlling the sport, however all the time making an attempt to win. That’s what we do effectively and we’ll attempt to continue to grow with this concept, which is actually one of the simplest ways to make use of the person expertise we’ve.”
Brian Riemer, Denmark coach:
“We now have to stress them and be aggressive. We’re not right here to defend. We now have to cease a few of their gamers who can determine video games on their very own. Ronaldo will not be the participant he was however he has turn into a traditional No9 with plenty of high quality within the field. He’s obtained the method and a shot that few gamers have. However he’s not the one one of their staff. Bruno Fernandes and Rafael Leão additionally need to be stopped, so it gained’t be straightforward.
“Then we’ve to reap the benefits of our possibilities to attain. We aren’t going to have ten alternatives to attain. The primary half is in Copenhagen. The second half is in Lisbon. We now have to guarantee that all the pieces continues to be large open after tomorrow’s match.”
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Publish date : 2025-03-19 14:14:00
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