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Portugal V/s. Finland |
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MATCH INFO |
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Tournament |
International Friendlies |
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Date |
04-03-2024 |
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Time |
12:15 AM IST - 11:15 AM-UAE |
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Stadium |
Estádio José Alvalade |
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MATCH
LIVE INFO |
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FULL TIME |
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Match Preview
The upcoming friendly between Portugal and Finland is set to take place in Lisbon at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on Tuesday evening. This match marks the first of three pre-Euro 2024 fixtures for Portugal. Portugal, one of the favorites for the tournament alongside England and France, will start their European Championship campaign against the Czech Republic on June 18. Finland, meanwhile, will resume competitive action in September in the UEFA Nations League, following their elimination from the Euro 2024 playoffs.
Portugal's qualification campaign for Euro 2024 was outstanding, with Roberto Martinez's team winning all 10 matches, scoring 36 goals, and conceding just two. Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored 10 goals during the qualifiers, remains a crucial player for the national team as he prepares for his 207th cap. Portugal aims to improve on their performance at Euro 2020, where they were eliminated in the round of 16, and are strong contenders to top Group F in the upcoming tournament.
In preparation for Euro 2024, Portugal will also play friendly matches against Croatia and the Republic of Ireland. Finland, on the other hand, missed out on Euro 2024 after losing to Wales in the playoff semi-finals. They are, however, in good form, having won three of their last four matches, including a recent 2-1 victory over Estonia.
Historically, Finland has managed one win against Portugal, a 4-1 victory in a friendly in 2002. However, Portugal won the last two encounters, including a 2-0 win in March 2011. Finland's squad includes experienced players like Teemu Pukki, who has scored 40 international goals, and Joel Pohjanpalo, who has 15 goals for his country.
For the upcoming friendly, Portugal's lineup is expected to feature a mix of established stars and emerging talents. Rafael Leao and Diogo Jota are likely to join Ronaldo in the attack, while Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot are anticipated to start following their FA Cup victory with Manchester United. Veteran defender Pepe, at 41, might also feature.
Finland's lineup will include key players such as Teemu Pukki, Joel Pohjanpalo, and midfielder Robin Lod. Richard Jensen from Aberdeen is expected to start in defense, with captain Lukas Hradecky, who recently won the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, in goal.
This match provides an excellent opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their squads ahead of their respective competitive fixtures, with Portugal looking to build momentum for Euro 2024 and Finland preparing for the UEFA Nations League.
Predicted lineup for Portugal V/s. Finland
Portugal possible starting lineup: Costa; Cancelo, Pepe, Dias, Dalot; Fernandes, Palhinha, Bernardo; Leao, Ronaldo, Jota
Finland possible starting lineup:
Hradecky; Alho, Tenho, Ivanov, Jensen; Lod, Peltola, Suhonen, Nissila; Pukki, Pohjanpalo
Hradecky; Alho, Tenho, Ivanov, Jensen; Lod, Peltola, Suhonen, Nissila; Pukki, Pohjanpalo