Portugal vs Finland-The first of Portugal’s three pre-Euro 2024 friendly fixtures takes place in Lisbon on Tuesday evening, with Finland traveling to the Estadio José Alvalade.
Portugal will open their European Championship campaign against the Czech Republic on June 18, while Finland will return to competitive action in the UEFA Nations League in early September.
Portugal
The “Selecao,” under the guidance of Roberto Martínez, swept through the European Championship qualifiers, winning ten matches and finishing first in their group. Notably, the Portuguese conceded both goals in their home matches against Slovakia during the qualifiers. Portugal vs Finland-In March, they convincingly beat Sweden 5–2 in a friendly, scoring three goals in the first half and comfortably maintaining their lead after the break. However, they surprisingly lost 0-2 to Slovenia.
Finland
The Finnish national team had the opportunity to participate in the continental tournament for the second time in a row. They finished third in their qualifying group behind Denmark and Slovenia with six wins and four losses from ten matches. As a result, they progressed to the playoffs, where they were defeated by Wales by a score of 1–4. In their last match in March, Finland hosted Estonia and won 2–1.
Match preview
England and France are seen as favorites to win Euro 2024, but Portugal are serious contenders, with a squad full of talent certainly capable of going to Germany this summer.
Roberto Martinez’s side cruised through their qualification group, winning 10 of their matches in Group J, scoring 36 times and conceding just twice, Cristiano Ronaldo scored 10 goals and is set to be a key player for his national team again this summer. .
Portugal vs Finland-Portugal won the European Championship in 2016, but they only reached the round of 16 at Euro 2020, Portugal vs Finland-so there is clear room for improvement in the upcoming competition and it’s fair to say that the European giants are heavy favorites to top the group f.
Selecao das Quinas open their campaign against the Czech Republic on June 18 before facing Turkey and Georgia in their final two matches in the division.
Portugal, who were beaten 2-0 by Slovakia in their last friendly at the end of March, will face Croatia and the Republic of Ireland in Euro 2024 warm-up matches.
Finland qualified for Euro 2020, the national team competed in the finals of a major tournament for the first time in their history, but they were knocked out in the group stage.
The Eagle-Owls lost to Wales in the semi-finals of the Euro 2024 play-offs, so they will not be in Germany, with their next competitive match coming against Greece in the UEFA Nations football League in early September.
Markku Kanerva’s side also play Scotland on June 7, and have been in strong form, winning three of their last four matches in all competitions, including a 2-1 win over Estonia last time out.
Finland have one win against Portugal to their name, winning 4-1 in a friendly in 2002, but they have lost their last two matches against Tuesday’s opponents, including a 2-0 defeat when the two teams last locked horns in March 2011. Did.
The Eagle-Owls certainly have the quality to make it a tough match for Portugal, which Martinez will be looking for in preparation for what should be an interesting European Championship.
Team News
Portugal vs Finland-Ronaldo is set to win his 207th cap for Portugal on Tuesday evening, with the 39-year-old expected to be given the nod in the final 3rd of the field.
Head coach Martinez will experiment with his lineup in the next three matches, but a strong XI will be present here, with Rafael Liao and Diogo Jota also likely to operate in the attacking area.
Manchester United duo Diogo Daltot and Bruno Fernandes should both start at the back to help their side win the FA Cup, while 41-year-old Pepe could feature in the middle of defence.
For Finland, Teemu Pukki is still going strong at 34 and the forward will bid to add to his 40 international goals in the competition.
Joel Pohjanpalo has scored 15 goals for his country and should also operate in the final third, while Robin Lode offers experience from midfield, with a 67th cap on offer here.
Aberdeen’s Richard Jensen could start at the back for the visitors on Tuesday night, while there will be a goal slot for captain Lukas Haradeki, who won the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen this season.
Portugal vs Finland Lineup:
Portugal Probable Starting Lineup:
costa Cancelo, Pepe, Dias, Dalot; Fernandes, Palhinha, Bernardo; Leo, Ronaldo, Jota
Finland Probable Starting Lineup:
Hradecky; Alho, Tenho, Ivanov, Jensen; Load, Peltola, Suhonen, Nisila; Pukki, Pohnpalo
Portugal vs Finland prediction
Portugal vs Finland-Portugal has talent in every position and should be too strong for Finland. Portugal vs Finland-We expect a comfortable win for Portugal on Tuesday evening. Portugal vs Finland-Expect Ronaldo to be amongst the goals, leading his team to a clear victory.
Prediction: Portugal 3-0 Finland.