Poland vs Portugal Prediction: 12/10/2024

Poland struggled again in the last European Championship, ending up at the bottom of their group and exiting the tournament in the first round. Their only notable achievement was a 1-1 draw with France on the final matchday, but by then, they were already eliminated after losing to the Netherlands 1-2 and Austria 1-3. Last month, Poland started their Nations League campaign on a high note by defeating Scotland 3-2, but they were then narrowly defeated by Croatia 1-0.

Portugal, on the other hand, faced another setback in June. Despite being one of the favorites on paper, they were eliminated in the Euro quarterfinals by France after a closely contested match that ended in a penalty shootout. Prior to that, the Portuguese topped a group featuring Turkey, Georgia, and the Czech Republic and beat Slovenia in the Round of 16, also on penalties. Under coach Roberto Martinez, Portugal made a strong start in the Nations League, securing wins over Croatia (2-1) and Scotland (2-1).

Poland is missing a few key players for this match. Goalkeeper Szczesny (Barcelona, 84 caps) and former Rennes winger Grosicki (94 caps, 17 goals) have retired from international duty after the Euro, while striker Milik (Juventus, 73 caps, 17 goals) and defender Cash (Aston Villa) are both injured.

However, they still have their captain and star striker Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona, 154 caps, 84 goals), who has been in excellent form at club level. Key players like defenders Bednarek (Southampton, 62 caps) and Kiwior (Arsenal, 27 caps), midfielders Zielinski (Inter, 95 caps, 12 goals), Frankowski (Lens, 46 caps), Moder (Brighton), and Urbanski (Bologna), along with forward Piatek (Istanbul Basaksehir, 12 goals in 31 caps), are also available.

For Portugal, some players are missing as well. Goalkeeper Rui Patricio (Atalanta, 108 caps), full-back Cancelo (Al Hilal, 58 caps, 10 goals), midfielders Danilo (Al-Ittihad) and Nunus (Manchester City), and forward Francisco Conceição (Juventus) have been left out by coach Roberto Martinez. Midfielder Otavio (Al Nassr) and striker Gonçalo Ramos (PSG) are injured, and captain Pepe has retired from international duty after the Euro.

Despite these absences, the squad remains strong with Cristiano Ronaldo (132 goals in 214 appearances) leading the team. Other key players include defenders Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), and Nuno Mendes (PSG); midfielders Palhinha (Bayern Munich), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United, 73 caps, 24 goals), and Bernardo Silva (Manchester City, 12 goals in 95 caps); and forwards Leao (AC Milan, 33 caps, 4 goals) and Diogo Jota (44 caps, 14 goals). Young talents like Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Tiago Santos (Lille) are also in the squad.

 

Prediction

Poland’s recent form has been poor, with just two points from their last 23 and four consecutive home losses. In contrast, Portugal has had a much better run, winning nine of their last 12 Nations League matches, including their last four in a row.

Prediction: Poland 1 : 2 Portugal