Portugal will be looking to strengthen its top spot in Group J of Euro 2024 qualifying when they face Luxembourg on Monday. With 15 points from five games, Roberto Martinez’s team is in first place in the section. They are five points ahead of Luxembourg in third place, who is still very much in the running for qualifying.
Preview (Portugal vs. Luxembourg)
Portugal defeated Slovakia on Friday night thanks to a goal from Bruno Fernandes in the 43rd minute. As a result, Martinez’s team now has 15 points after five games in Group J. Portugal is five points ahead of Slovakia in second place and five points ahead of Luxembourg in third. Portugal has also scored 15 goals in the division and has yet to give one up. In addition to making it to the final in 2004 and 2016, the Selecao das Quinas has qualified for each of the last seven European Championship finals.
Portugal’s defeat in the round of 16 at Euro 2020 turned out to be their poorest showing in a European Championship final. They did improve to reach the World Cup quarterfinals in 2022. Martinez’s team appears to be coasting toward qualifying for Euro 2024. Given the caliber of their team, it would not be surprising to see them win the championship. Luxembourg is attempting to reach a major event final for the first time in their history. Their qualification campaign has been successful so far. In fact, the Red Lions are third in the standings with 10 points after five games. Thanks to a record of three victories, one tie, and one loss.
In terms of points, this is already Luxembourg’s joint-best European Championship qualification campaign. It would be an interesting tale if they were able to advance to the competition’s championship round. The team led by Luc Holtz enters this game off a 3-1 triumph over Iceland. It was their third straight triumph in the group after also defeating Liechtenstein and Bosnia-Herzegovina. However, Luxembourg lost to Portugal 6-0 in the rematch at the end of March. They will have no misgivings about the scale of the task they have ahead of them on Monday.
Team News
Due to Luxembourg’s recent development, Portugal manager Martinez is unlikely to rest any of his star players for what might be a challenging match. As a result, it would not be unexpected to see nearly the same starting lineup as against Slovakia, with the exception of a certain Cristiano Ronaldo. Although Ronaldo, who is 38 years old and still an important player for his country at this point in his career, has scored five goals since Martinez took over as head coach, the yellow card he received against Slovakia will prevent him from playing.
Among the attacking alternatives trying to make the team are Goncalo Ramos, Pedro Neto, Joao Felix, and Diogo Jota. Ramos is most likely to get the nod. Meanwhile, Luxembourg has not mentioned any injuries from their 3-1 victory over Iceland. The team’s top goal scorer, Danel Sinani, is predicted to start in a deeper position for the visitors on Tuesday night. He has 11 goals to his credit.
Alessio Curci will likely start at center-back for Luxembourg, with Yvandro Borges Sanches operating on the left, and Christopher Martins of Spartak Moscow will likely earn his 61st cap in midfield. Luxembourg should be commended for their recent sector performances and achievements, but it will be exceedingly difficult to pick them to win this game. Under Martinez, Portugal is in good shape and possesses enough talent to easily win six of their six games in Group J.
Portugal 2 – 0 Luxembourg
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