Poland are on the right track to secure a top-two spot in their UEFA Nations League A group, but Portugal threatens them in this pursuit.
Michail Probierz will seek consistency from his side after a mixed start to this Nations League A campaign. After a stellar five-goal thriller at Hamden Park, Poland, who face Portugal next, began their campaign as Sebastian Szymanski in the eighth minute, with Robert Lewandowski doubling the lead just before the break from the penalty spot and scoring his 84th international goal.
Right at the beginning of the second half, Scotland came up with a plan and immediately pulled a goal back through Billy Gilmour, while Scott McTomionay equalised in the 76th minute. Poland still came through on top with a 97th-minute penalty scored by Nicola Zalewski to break Scottish hearts and give Poland the onus in their quest.
However, in the second game against Croatia away from home, veteran Luka Modric’s solitary strike early in the second half sealed the points for the hosts. Poland are still on track for a top-two finish if they flourish during the current international break and the next, as they take on Portugal at home, hoping for a positive outcome.
Meanwhile, Robert Martinez’s side are the pace-setters in the group after two big victories in their opening game. The Spanish manager had talisman Cristiano Ronaldo to thank for these wins, as the Al-Nassr superstar netted the winner on both occasions.
If anybody thought Romano must retire from international football and allow the younger generation to come in, they must think again, as the veteran has been on song for Portugal. Martinez’s men are the early pacesetters in this group, and the manager hopes to continue on this winning start and then meet Poland away from home.
Team News & Tactics
Poland
Poland have included new boys Maxi Oyedele and Michael Ameyaw, both from the national league, in the senior squad. Whether they are in line for a start remains in doubt, as there are more seasoned professionals to take up those roles.
Southampton defender Jan Bednarek seems certain to retain his place in Poland’s back-three, with Sebastian Walukiewicz likely to take up the right-hand side of that setup. Jakub Kiwior has been the regular on the left side of the back three, but Pawel Dawidowicz is competing for his place.
The latter has been a regular for Hellas Verona. At the same time, the former has been a bit of a part-player this season but continues to show his quality whenever called upon by Mikel Arteta at Arsenal. Meanwhile, there is no doubt that top scorer and skipper Robert Lewandowski will lead the line for the Polish side, with Krzysztof Piatek partnering the Barcelona man up front.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Skorupski; Walukiewicz, Bednarek, Kiwior; Kaminski, Scymanski, Zielinski, Ubranski, Zalewski; Lewandowski, Piatek
Portugal
Roberto Martinez has taken this international break to bring some fresh faces into his squad, having included Farnese goalkeeper Ricardo Velho and Samu Costa, who plays in midfield for RCD Mallorca. Beyond that, there are no big changes to the team, although Juventus winger Francisco Conceicao, who missed the September games through an injury, is returning.
Portugal is missing a few players, with Sporting CP pair Geovany Quenda and Pedro Goncalves both missing this round through separate fitness issues. Goncalo Inacio is also missing out with a fitness problem. If Inacio was to start, Martinez might either bring in a replacement or revert to a back four, with Antonio Silva taking on the left centre-back spot.
Cristiano Ronaldo will continue to lead the line for the Selecao, as he will have the support of some other formidable colleagues such as Rafael Leao and Diogo Jota. Joao Palhinha will sit at the base of the midfield, with Manchester pair Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes on either side in central midfield.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Diogo Costa; Dalot; Dias, Antonio Silva, Mendes; Bernardo Silva, Palhinha, Bruno Fernandes; Jota, Ronaldo, Leao
Key Stats
- Portugal have been undefeated in all competitions in their last five matches against Poland.
- Portugal has won both their UEFA Nations League A encounters so far, albeit both came on home soil.
- Poland and Portugal faced off against each other in this competition back in 2018.
- Poland have only two wins in their last six games across all competitions.
Player to Watch
Cristiano Ronaldo
The 39-year-old defied doubters who were calling for him to give up international football by scoring two winners in as many games in the previous international break. Ronaldo will be eager to build momentum with the national side and continue on his impressive form this season.
Over-reliance from Roberto Martinez on the veteran might not bring the best from the Al-Nassr star, although in a tough away game against Poland, Ronaldo has the chance to shine and retain his top spot within the squad. If he does continue in this current form, who says Ronaldo cannot play in the next World Cup? What will be on his mind?
Prediction
Poland 1-2 Portugal
Portugal could replicate their last two results in this group stage and produce another 2-1 reverse victory away in Poland. They have superior quality compared to their hosts, while Cristiano Ronaldo has been on fire in front of goal.
Poland do have the quality in certain areas of its squad, but it might not have what it takes to beat an in-form Portuguese side. Hence, despite home comforts, the Polish side might end up troubling Roberto Martinez’s men a bit but will eventually suffer a loss, which could place their hopes of a top-two finish in jeopardy.