Portugal vs Poland – Match preview and team news

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The Football Faithful

·15 novembre 2024

Portugal vs Poland – Match preview and team news

Portugal can seal their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League when Poland arrive in Porto this evening.

A win will be enough for the inaugural winners to make the last eight, while Poland are still in contention to progress.

Vidéos OneFootball

Here is everything you need to know about the clash.

Portugal vs Poland – Match preview and team news

Form

Portugal: DWWWD

Portugal bounced back from their quarter-final elimination on penalties at Euro 2024 to reel off three straight wins in the Nations League. Roberto Martinez’s side took control of the group, though a goalless draw with Scotland last time out means work is still required to progress to the knockout stages.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored three times in four Nations League games and the 39-year-old has shown no indication that he’s prepared to call it quits in Portugal colours. After leading the Saudi Pro League for goals last season, Ronaldo has started the season in strong form with six goals in nine SPL games in 2024/25.

🇵🇹📈 Cristiano Ronaldo has 3 goals in his last 4 games for Portugal. ⚽️ Tonight's opposition: Poland.
– vendredi 15 novembre 2024

Portugal are light defensively due to the absences of Ruben Dias and Goncalo Inacio and the retirement of Pepe. The uncapped duo of Tiago Djalo and Tomas Araujo are vying to partner Antonio Silva at centre-back. There’s also a first call-up for ex-Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares. The 24-year-old has eight assists in nine league games for Lazio this season.

Poland: DWLLD

A spirited fightback to draw with Croatia has kept Poland in contention for progress to the quarter-finals. Poland have picked up four points from their four games and will require at least four points from their final two games to have a chance of reaching the knockout stages.

Poland have suffered a huge blow with Robert Lewandowski ruled out of their upcoming games. The 36-year-old is La Liga’s leading scorer this season (14) but will play no part due to a back injury. Krzysztof Piątek is likely to lead the line in his absence.

Last meeting

Poland 1-3 Portugal, 12th October 2024, Nations League

Portugal proved too good for Poland when the teams met in Warsaw last month. Bernardo Silva volleyed in the opening goal on 26 minutes before Cristiano Ronaldo doubled the lead before half-time with his 133rd international goal.

Piotr Zielinski pulled one back to give Poland hope with 12 minutes to go, though Portugal issued a response to restore their two-goal cushion. Poland’s Jan Bednarek inadvertently turned Nuno Mendes’ cross into his own goal late on.