Softfootball previews the Nations League showdown between Portugal and Poland, including predictions, team news, and potential lineups as the stakes rise on matchday five.
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Match Preview
Portugal hosts Poland in Porto on Friday night in a high-stakes UEFA Nations League Group A1 encounter. Portugal, needing just one point to secure a top-two finish, has positioned itself strongly, while Poland faces the daunting task of needing four points from its final two games to remain in contention for the finals.
Portugal’s Strong Campaign
Although Portugal’s perfect Nations League record came to an end last month, they still hold the top spot in Group A1. Roberto Martinez’s side managed a goalless draw against Scotland in a match where they struggled to capitalize on opportunities. Fortunately for Portugal, Croatia’s draw against Poland allowed them to maintain their three-point lead.
If Croatia manages to defeat Scotland on matchday six, Portugal’s path to the top spot could hinge on results elsewhere. A win over Poland, however, would bring them closer to their first finals appearance since winning the inaugural Nations League title in 2018-19. Portugal has proven to be a formidable opponent in this competition, consistently strong at home with seven victories out of ten Nations League home matches across all editions, never conceding more than one goal.
Their 3-1 victory over Poland in Warsaw last month has set the stage for confidence in Porto as they aim to secure their place in the finals.
Poland’s Struggle and Potential
Poland enters Friday’s match in a more precarious position. Though winless in their last six encounters with Portugal, Poland is not out of the running yet. The Polish side, now led by Michal Probierz, has been marked by inconsistency and missed opportunities, often criticized for being too cautious in recent campaigns. Under Probierz, Poland has adopted a more offensive approach, equaling Portugal and Croatia in goals scored within the group but struggling with defensive stability.
Failing to secure automatic qualification for Euro 2024, Poland’s performance has left much to be desired. They were relegated in the group stage, finishing behind Albania and Czechia and managing only one point against Moldova. However, they did qualify by edging Wales on penalties after Probierz’s appointment. The Nations League campaign has shown promise with Poland’s late comeback win over Scotland and a spirited 3-3 draw with Croatia in their previous game. Despite their elimination if they lose this match, Poland is expected to put up a strong fight, needing at least a point to stay in contention.
Team News and Possible Lineups
Portugal heads into this fixture with key injuries, particularly in central defense. Both Ruben Dias and Goncalo Inacio are unavailable, leaving Martinez with limited options. Antonio Silva, though lacking regular playtime at Benfica, is likely to start due to his relative experience, with Martinez unlikely to pair two uncapped defenders in Tiago Djalo and Tomas Araujo. Portugal’s attack also faces absences, with Diogo Jota, Goncalo Ramos, Ruben Neves, Matheus Nunes, and Pedro Goncalves all ruled out.
Poland’s lineup also has challenges, as star striker Robert Lewandowski has been ruled out with a back injury, weakening their offense significantly. Arkadiusz Milik remains unavailable, meaning Karol Swiderski and Krzysztof Piatek may compete for the starting striker position. Probierz might also experiment with a two-forward setup to intensify their attacking presence. Midfielders Jakub Piotrowski and Kacper Kozlowski are absent, and Verona’s Pawel Dawidowicz remains sidelined after a first-half injury against Croatia last month.
Expected Lineups:
Portugal Starting XI: Diogo Costa; Dalot, Antonio Silva, Araujo, Nuno Mendes; Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves, Bernardo; Neto, Ronaldo, Leao
Poland Starting XI: Bulka; Frankowski, Piatkowski, Bednarek, Kiwior, Zalewski; Szymanski, Moder, Zielinski; Swiderski, Piatek
Prediction
Portugal has an impressive home record against Poland, losing only once, and that was back in 1976. With the reverse fixture’s 3-1 victory fresh in their minds, Portugal will be confident in securing another three points on home turf. Poland, knowing that a loss eliminates their chances of advancing, will be under pressure to adopt an aggressive approach, yet Portugal’s quality and depth present a formidable barrier for Probierz’s side in what promises to be a fiercely contested match.
