Portugal will attempt to seal top spot in UEFA Nations League (UNL) Group A4 in their first match of the post-Cristiano Ronaldo era if they beat Denmark, who will hope that they can consolidate second place in the table.
Match News and Current Form
Ronaldo confirmed his international retirement earlier this month, but Portugal have already started to move on without the 234-cap, 146-goal forward, as they are assured of a UNL quarter-final place having won all four matches this campaign, the last three of them without their former captain playing a single minute. Three of those victories were by a one-goal margin though, so Jorge Jesus’ side have had to battle for their 12 points. Simply avoiding defeat here in Braga will ensure that Portugal win the group and extend a 14-game unbeaten run at home in competitive internationals that goes back to before the 2022 World Cup (W13, D1)!
Denmark started this campaign slowly, losing 3-2 to Norway, but have responded with two wins in three games (L1) to establish themselves as Portugal’s nearest challengers. Defensive consistency remains elusive though for Brian Riemer’s side, who have conceded seven times in this group, despite keeping two clean sheets. Letting in eight goals in normal time across their last four away matches (W1, D1, L2) is also concerning, but October’s 1-0 victory over Wales in Cardiff was more like it, as they look to earn three points here ahead of a potentially decisive fixture against Norway on Tuesday, although relegation to League B remains possible.
Head-to-Head History
Portugal have won five of the last six H2Hs (L1), including October’s 4-2 success in Copenhagen.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Portugal conceded exactly once in four of their last six internationals.
Portugal scored exactly one first-half goal in each of their last three home games.
Seven of Denmark’s last ten competitive matches produced over 3.5 goals.
The team that scored first in each of Denmark’s last seven competitive games went on to win.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Gonçalo Ramos has scored in Portugal’s last three matches, on each occasion netting his country’s second goal of the game, including against Denmark in October. Rasmus Højlund has scored in three of Denmark’s last four internationals, with those goals all arriving between the 50th and 80th minutes.
Portugal duo João Cancelo and Francisco Conceição are suspended, while compatriots Tomás Araújo, Nuno Tavares and Rafael Leão all withdrew from the squad due to injury. Andreas Christensen was not selected for Denmark, having only recently returned to club action.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
With Portugal scoring at least twice in each of their last three games, and Denmark’s recent matches also producing plenty of goals, backing over 3.5 goals holds some appeal here.
Author: John Pennington
