No team has allowed Cristiano Ronaldo to score more goals than Luxembourg (11). However, the Portuguese superstar will not be able to improve his scoring record against his favourite opponents in today's EURO 2024 qualifier. Ronaldo is absent due to a one-match ban after picking up a yellow card in the match against Slovakia a few days ago.
Under coach Roberto Martinez, Ronaldo scored 5 goals and played an important role in the squad. The 38-year-old superstar's absence will give the Portuguese team an opportunity to continue to get used to the formation and tactics that have rarely been experienced in many years.
Ronaldo will not be available for the match against Luxembourg.
At the 2022 World Cup, the Portuguese team got used to not having Ronaldo. Goncalo Ramos made a big impression when replacing the captain in the center forward position. Coach Martinez has a few other factors that can be used such as Pedro Neto, Diogo Jota or Joao Felix. The Portuguese team also does not lack breakthrough factors, capable of scoring goals in other positions in midfield.
Luxembourg are in good form in the EURO 2024 qualifiers. They have just won three consecutive matches against Liechstenstein, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iceland. The visitors are currently third in the standings, equal on points with second-place Slovakia. Luxembourg still has a chance to compete for a place in the finals.
The team ranked 89th in the world has made remarkable progress in recent years. However, the gap in level between Luxembourg and Portugal is still very large. The home team will not have much difficulty in winning 3 more points.
Expected lineup Portugal vs Luxembourg
Portugal: Costa; Dalot, A Silva, Dias, Cancelo; Vitinha, Palhinha, Fernandes; B Silva, Ramos, Leao
Luxembourg: Moris; M Martins, Mahmutovic, Chanot, Pinto; Sinani, Barreiro, C Martins, Olesen, Sanches; Curci
Prediction: Portugal 3-0 Luxembourg.
Xuan Phuong
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