Portugal, fresh off a triumphant start to their UEFA Nations League campaign, will aim to solidify their position atop Group A1 when they host Scotland at the iconic Estádio da Luz on Sunday evening.
A historic goal from Cristiano Ronaldo propelled the Seleção to a commanding victory in their opening match, while Scotland suffered yet another heartbreaking late defeat.
Check out our Portugal vs. Scotland preview ahead of the big clash.
Portugal vs. Scotland Preview
Portugal
A goal from former Manchster United colleague Diogo Dalot paved the way for Cristiano Ronaldo to notch his 900th career goal on Thursday, as Portugal clinched a 2-1 victory in their Nations League debut against Croatia.
Dalot unleashed a thunderbolt into the net after receving a precision pass from Bruno Fernandes. Ronaldo then added his signature touch to seal the hosts’ dominance in Lisbon. However, a cruel twist of fate saw Dalot inadvertently gift Croatia a consolation goal.
The Seleção needed to produce a stellar performance to wash away the frustration of their underwhelming Euro 2024 campaign. Portugal boss Roberto Martinez would be satisfied with the effort his team put in against Croatia and hope to sustain the momentum against Scotland.
Martinez shifted from a back four to a three during their match against Croatia. So, he could opt to go either way against the Scots.
Pedro Goncalves and Francisco Trincao have returned to the national team setup. The duo will be vying with Rafael Leao and Pedro Neto for a spot beside the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, who is set to spearhead the attack once again.
Should Martinez choose to rotate, Nelson Semedo and Joao Neves, who were brought on as substitutes during the halftime break, may be promoted to the starting lineup.
Scotland
Scotland have lost to Portugal in all but two of their six previous encounters. Therefore, no Portugal vs. Scotland preview can paint an optimistic for the visitors on Sunday night. The last time the Tartan Army had won against Portugal was at the 1980 European Championships, when they cruised to a 4-1 win.
The landscape has shifted dramatically since their 2018 showdown. Under Steve Clarke’s stewardship, the Scots have clawed their way back from the brink. They have ascended to the heights of European football with consecutive European Championship finals and a promotion to the Nations League’s elite.
Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay, recent Napoli acquisitions, pulled the hosts level with second-half goals. However, a tired challenge from Hanley on Zalewski resulted in a penalty. The winger kept his composure to secure a late victory for Napoli.
The Scottish fortress has crumbled under a relentless barrage, conceding 17 goals in eight matches this year. A late-game heartbreak against Hungary, sealing their fate at Euro 2024, has left a bitter taste in the mouths of Scottish fans.
The Scottish ship sails on, but the loss of Celtic captain Callum McGregor leaves a gaping hole in the deck. Steve Clarke has turned to the youth, giving Ryan Gauld and Ben Doak their first international caps against Poland. Yet, it is the familiar faces that will likely lead the charge in Lisbon.
Portugal vs. Scotland Prediction
Portugal’s attacking prowess and Scotland’s defensive frailties suggest a comfortable victory for the hosts. Ronaldo’s pursuit of 1,000 goals, coupled with a strong supporting cast, makes a Scotland win highly unlikely.
