Both teams have been in pretty good form, having collected four points from their opening two fixtures and sit at the top of Group A2 above Spain and Switzerland.
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Portugal and Czech Republic will play each other in the UEFA Nations League Group A2 fixture at Estadio Jose Alvalade on Thursday. The Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal side head into the contest on the back of a dominant 4-0 win over Switzerland a few days ago. The Czechs played out a thrilling 2-2 draw against the Mighty Spain last time out. Both teams have been in pretty good form, having collected four points from their opening two fixtures and sit at the top of the group above Spain and Switzerland. Meanwhile the Navigators have a good record against the Czechs, having won two out of the three matches played between the two sides.Â
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Fernando Santos’ side netted four goals past Switzerland without reply. William Carvalho opened the scoring before Ronaldo netted a brace to take his tally to 117 international goals. Full-back Joao Cancelo’s second-half strike sealed the win for the hosts. The Navigators find themselves at the top of Group 2 ranking on goal difference. Meanwhile the defending champions have lost just one of their last 14 Nations League games since the tournament’s inception in 2018. Meanwhile the Iberian nation qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals after overcoming North Macedonia in the playoffs. Santos’ side are drawn in Group H, for the global event, alongside Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea.Â
Czech Republic, on the other hand, played out a thrilling draw against Spain in their previous match. Jakub Pesek opened the scoring for Czech before Spain equalised through Gavi. Mid-way through the second half, Jan Kuchta restored the Locomotive’s lead and just when it looked like the hosts were on their way to upset the former world champions, Inigo Martinez netted a last-ditch equaliser to share the spoils. An opening day win over Switzerland means that the Czech Republic sit second in the group. Since the Czechs won’t be taking part in the World Cup, they can afford to focus all their efforts on success in the Nations League.
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Portugal don’t have too many injury concerns apart from defender Ruben Dias’ absence. Ronaldo is likely to lead the line alongside Diogo Jota. Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leao are pushing for a place in the starting XI after making substitute appearances in the previous game.Â
Czech Republic, on the other hand, lost left-back Jaroslav Zeleny to injury in the first half against Spain, and his replacement Jakub Jankto was also forced off during the half-time interval.Â
Portugal probable starting lineup: PatrĂcio, Cancelo, Pereira, Duarte, Guerreiro, Moutinho, Palhinha, Fernandes, Silva, Ronaldo, Leao
Czech Republic probable starting lineup: Vaclik, Mateju, Brabec, Zima, Coufal, Kral, Soucek, Havel, Hlozek, Pesek. .
The UEFA Nations League match between Portugal and Czech Republic will take place at Estadio Jose Alvalade and it will kickoff at 12:15 am IST on June 10, Friday.Â
Select UEFA Nations League 2022-23 matches will be telecast live on the Sony TEN network in India. Besides, live streaming of these matches will be available on SonyLIV and JioTV apps and OTT platforms in India.
