softfootball.com match preview
Poland welcomes Portugal to Warsaw on Saturday as both teams continue their UEFA Nations League campaign. Portugal has set the early pace in Group 1 after back-to-back wins, while Poland sits just behind, looking to close the gap with a home victory.
Match Preview
Portugal heads into this clash full of confidence after two victories in September, with Cristiano Ronaldo playing a central role. The 39-year-old scored in their 2-1 win over Croatia and came off the bench to net a late winner against Scotland. As Ronaldo keeps setting records—reaching his 900th career goal—Portugal continues to build momentum under Roberto Martinez. Despite some criticism of the squad’s reliance on Ronaldo, Martinez has Portugal well on track for a top-two finish in their group, a key target as they aim for a spot in the Nations League knockout stages.
Poland, too, is heavily dependent on an iconic striker. Robert Lewandowski, who scored his 84th international goal last month, will again lead the line. Poland’s September campaign was a mixed bag, with a dramatic 3-2 win over Scotland followed by a narrow 1-0 loss to Croatia. Head coach Michal Probierz is tasked with refreshing the squad while staying competitive, as Poland remains in contention for a place in the Nations League finals.
Portugal has history on their side, being unbeaten in six matches against Poland since 2006, including the inaugural Nations League clashes. A win in Warsaw would consolidate their group lead, while Poland will be eager to secure points to avoid slipping toward the relegation playoff zone.
Team News
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has introduced fresh faces this month, including Farense goalkeeper Ricardo Velho and Mallorca midfielder Samu Costa. Juventus winger Francisco Conceicao returns to the squad, while Sporting Lisbon’s Geovany Quenda and Pedro Goncalves are out through injury. Portugal could line up in a 4-3-3, with Ronaldo leading the attack alongside Rafael Leao and either Pedro Neto or Diogo Jota.
Poland will see familiar names in their starting XI, with Jan Bednarek commanding the defense, Piotr Zielinski controlling the midfield, and Lewandowski leading the front line. With Arkadiusz Milik out injured, Karol Swiderski or Krzysztof Piatek could partner Lewandowski in attack.
Predicted Lineups
Poland:
Skorupski; Dawidowicz, Bednarek, Walukiewicz; Frankowski, Szymanski, Zielinski, Urbanski, Zalewski; Swiderski, Lewandowski
Portugal:
Costa; Dalot, Dias, A. Silva, Mendes; B. Silva, Vitinha, Fernandes; Neto, Ronaldo, Leao
Softfootball Prediction
Both sides have attacking firepower but have shown vulnerability at the back. While Poland will lean heavily on Lewandowski to deliver in front of the home crowd, Portugal’s array of attacking options—led by Ronaldo—should give them the edge. Portugal is likely to outscore their hosts in what promises to be an entertaining encounter.
Final score prediction: Poland 1-2 Portugal
