Portugal faces Finland in a pre-European Championship international friendly match.
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Portugal were crowned European champions eight years ago and are hoping to repeat that feat this summer.
It’s easy to forget now, but Fernando Santos’ side weren’t particularly impressive for much of Euro 2016. Portugal emerged as a top third after drawing during each of their group matches. Hungary and Iceland have accumulated more points in their group.
Portugal then needed extra time to beat Croatia and a penalty shootout to beat Poland. A 2–0 victory over Wales in the semi-final was followed by an extra-time win over France in the final. In total, Portugal won one match in 90 minutes during this tournament.
This is not to diminish their success. Santos’ side did a good job against France in the showpiece event, although they lost star man Cristiano Ronaldo to injury midway through the first half.
Before the start of Euro 2016, Portugal were the sixth favorite with a score of 16/1. This time they are fourth in the betting at 8/1.
Their team certainly looks stronger in 2024 than it did eight years ago. Ronaldo is past his best, but he’s still turning out for his country at the age of 39 (he’s not the oldest member of the team though, with Pepe, 41, surpassing him on birthdays) .
Rui Patricio is another member of the old guard, but Portugal’s best players are in their 20s: Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and Rafael Leao.
In particular, there is no shortage of attacking talent at the disposal of Domenico Tedesco, who oversaw a perfect qualifying campaign. Portugal was the only nation to win all of their matches, while a goal difference of +34 was significantly higher than all other countries.
Portugal are in good shape for the summer and are definitely among the main contenders for the trophy come July 14.
Before that, Tedesco’s men will face Finland, Croatia and the Republic of Ireland in three pre-tournament friendlies.
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Portugal expects to record a victory over Finland in this Euro 2024 preparation friendly match.
Finnish players will watch the European Championship from the beach. They participated in the previous edition three years ago but fell short this time, finishing third in their group, four points behind Denmark and Slovenia.
Their performance in the last Nations League earned them a second chance via the play-offs, but Finland were beaten 4-1 by Wales in the semi-final.
We should see an equally comfortable victory for Portugal here. Tedesco’s side lost 2-0 to Slovenia in a friendly in March, but five of their previous six victories were by at least two goals.
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Portugal have strength in depth in virtually every area of the pitch, so the type of XI they choose doesn’t really matter here.
Even if Tedesco makes several changes at halftime and in the second half, Portugal will have quality on the pitch at all times.
It could be a humiliating experience for Finland, whose last four away defeats have all ended by two or more clear goals.
⚽ Back Portugal to triumph with a handicap of -2 at 6/4 with Sky Bet ⚽
Portugal have already reduced their squad to 26 ahead of the Euro 2024 registration deadline at midnight on Friday.
Barring a cruel injury, no one will be left out of the traveling squad between now and the opening match against the Czech Republic on June 18.
However, Tedesco is probably still thinking about some things when it comes to the starting lineup. Strong performances from certain individuals in one of the pre-tournament friendlies could make all the difference.
As it stands, Pedro Neto, Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos are underdogs to start against the Czechs, but even a front three including this trio would have been enough to break through the Finnish backline either side of the break.
Portugal can put on a show on Tuesday at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, home of Sporting CP.
⚽ Advise Portugal to score in both halves at 8/11 with Sky Bet ⚽
It will be fascinating to see how Tedesco handles Ronaldo at the European Championship. At 39, the Portuguese legend will struggle to play 90 minutes of every match, but he rarely relishes being left out of the XI.
Ronaldo’s club’s campaign came to an end last Friday, as Al Nassr lost the King’s Cup final to Al Hilal on penalties.
This means he could be retained against Finland to ensure Ronaldo is in top condition for the big kick-off later this month.
Goncalo Ramos, the alternative option up front, hasn’t played since May 19, so the Paris Saint-Germain forward is the favorite to get the nod in this one.
Ramos will be keen to make a good impression as Portugal begin their preparations for Euro 2024.
⚽ Choose Goncalo Ramos to score anytime in matches with Sky Bet ⚽
Greg Léa
Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He primarily covers the Premier League and has published work in the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.
Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball
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