Portugal are aiming to make it three wins on the bounce at the beginning of their 2024/25 UEFA Nations League campaign when they visit Poland on Saturday night.
The inaugural winners of the Nations League in 2018/19, Portugal were still reliant on Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals to help them secure 2-1 victories over Croatia and then Scotland during the September international break. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner now has 132 goals for his country.
Poland are similarly dependent on their ageing forward to fire them to victory in the form of Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski, who scored from the spot in the recent and late 3-2 win over Scotland. However, he was unable to find the net in a tame 1-0 defeat away at Croatia in the following match.
Portugal boast the upper hand in past meetings, winning six of the 13 previous clashes. The two nations were drawn in the same group in the 2018/19 Nations League where Portugal were crowned champions, with Poland falling to a 3-2 defeat and securing a 1-1 draw across the two clashes.
Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny retired after Euro 2024 from both club and international football but has since come out of retirement for a brief spell with Barcelona. However, he’s still not available to be selected by Michal Probierz.
Roberto Martinez has included a few fresh faces in his Portugal squad, with Farense goalkeeper Ricardo Velha and Mallorca midfielder Samu Costa making the cut. Renato Veiga of Chelsea could also make his debut, with his club teammates Joao Felix and Pedro Neto involved as well.
Ronaldo has been selected once again as he continues his legendary international career and he will be expecting to start against Poland. Liverpool’s Diogo Jota and Milan’s Rafael Leao will provide attacking support for the veteran.
