Portugal made their Nations League debut on Thursday, beating Croatia with the 900th goal of Cristiano Ronaldo in his career (2-1) and now, also in Da Luz in Lisbon, he aims to end the first double day of the competition with 6 points against Scotland, who lost in his debut by Poland (2-3).
Robert Martinez He will have a special game because his wife is Scottish. “The problem is not the woman, the problem is the in-laws. I have had that experience,” said the Catalan coach in a joking tone at yesterday’s press conference. “Now it’s easier, because both teams can qualify. I appreciate the Nations League format, because we can keep our in-laws happy and win the game as well.”
Another victory would put a pass to the quarterfinals on track
The fact that from this edition, the first two in each of the four League A groups will progress to the quarterfinals means that another victory for Portugal will allow them to leave their qualification on track in the first double day of competition.
Robert Martinez He also made sure to make rotations in relation to the eleven he showed against Croatia so as not to burden some players with minutes at the start of the season. Besides, Vitinha He was forced out of the middle of the field after being injured in that match.
For their part, Scotland, who were knocked out at the Euro Cup group stage, have also not started the Nations League on the right foot but will be hoping to surprise in being Scott McTominaya new signing from Naples, their main asset.
Steve Clarke Scottish coach, promote his position in the midfielder, instead of keeping him in the double pivot as at Manchester United, and McTominay He never gets tired of scoring goals. After the seven he scored in the qualifying phase for Euro 2024, he also scored a short-lived 2-2 in which he equalized Poland’s 0-2 before succumbing in the 97th minute to a penalty Nicola Zalewski.
Possible lineups
Lisbon Da Luz, 8:45 pm
Portugal: Diogo Costa; Dalot, Rúben Dias, Antonio Silva, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Palhinha, Bruno Fernandes; Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota
Selector: Robert Martinez
Scotland: Gunn: Ralston, Hanley, McKenna, Robertson; McLean, Gilmour; McGinn, McTominay, Christie; Dyke
Selector: Steve Clarke
Referee: Maurizio Mariani (Italy)
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
