Portugal vs Finland predictions ahead of this international friendly clash. Portugal’s first pre-Euro 2024 friendly is against Finland at Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon on Tuesday evening. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.
Friendlies | Jun 4, 2024 at 7.45pm UK at Estadio Jose Alvalade
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Portugal vs Finland Predictions
Portugal Aim to Dominate in Pre-Euro 2024 Friendly Against Finland
Key Stats
– Portugal have won all 10 of their Euro 2024 qualifiers, scoring 36 goals and conceding just twice.
– Finland have seen both teams score in four of their last five matches, highlighting defensive issues.
– Cristiano Ronaldo has netted 10 goals in Euro 2024 qualification, showcasing his enduring goal-scoring ability.
Portugal will kick off their Euro 2024 preparations with a friendly against Finland at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon. With Portugal being serious contenders for the European Championship, this match serves as an essential warm-up. Finland, on the other hand, will use this game as a valuable experience-building exercise ahead of their UEFA Nations League fixtures. This article delves into the form, expected line-ups, tactical approaches, and predictions for the match.
Portugal’s Dominance and Tactical Setup
Portugal have established themselves as a powerhouse in European football, cruising through their qualification group with an impeccable record. Under the guidance of Roberto Martinez, they won all 10 of their matches, scoring 36 goals and conceding only twice. This performance underscores their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. As they prepare for Euro 2024, where they are set to face the Czech Republic in their opener, this friendly against Finland will be a crucial test.
Martinez is expected to field a strong lineup, blending experience with youth. The probable starting XI includes:
- Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
- Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Pepe, Ruben Dias, Diogo Dalot
- Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Joao Palhinha, Bernardo Silva
- Forwards: Rafael Leao, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota
Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be making his 207th appearance for Portugal, remains a key figure. With support from dynamic players like Bruno Fernandes and Rafael Leao, Portugal’s attack is set to be a formidable force.
Finland’s Form and Tactical Adjustments
Finland, having narrowly missed out on Euro 2024 qualification, will aim to use this friendly to gauge their strengths and weaknesses. Their form has been inconsistent, but recent victories, including a 2-1 win over Estonia, provide some optimism. Manager Markku Kanerva will likely field his strongest lineup to challenge Portugal.
Finland’s expected formation for this match is a 4-4-2 setup, focusing on defensive solidity and counter-attacking opportunities. The anticipated starting lineup is:
- Goalkeeper: Lukas Hradecky
- Defenders: Nikolai Alho, Leo Vaisanen, Robert Ivanov, Richard Jensen
- Midfielders: Robin Lod, Rasmus Schüller, Lucas Lingman, Onni Valakari
- Forwards: Teemu Pukki, Joel Pohjanpalo
Teemu Pukki, with his experience and goal-scoring ability, will be pivotal in Finland’s attack. The Finnish defence, marshalled by Lukas Hradecky, will need to be at its best to withstand Portugal’s offensive onslaught.
Key Tactical Battles
The midfield battle between Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Schüller will be crucial. Fernandes’ creativity and goal-scoring ability will test Schüller’s defensive discipline. Another key duel will be between Portugal’s centre-backs, Ruben Dias and Pepe, against Finland’s forward duo of Pukki and Pohjanpalo. Finland will rely on their strikers to exploit any gaps in Portugal’s defence, particularly during counter-attacks.
Gameplay Predictions
Portugal are expected to dominate possession, utilising their superior technical ability and tactical organisation. Martinez’s side will likely press high and look to control the game through their midfield trio of Fernandes, Palhinha, and Bernardo Silva. Finland, conversely, will focus on maintaining a compact shape defensively and attempting to hit Portugal on the break.
Expected Goals (xG) Analysis
Portugal’s offensive statistics from their qualifiers highlight their attacking depth. Averaging 3.6 goals per game and 19 total shots per game, their xG reflects a team capable of creating and converting numerous chances. Finland, while less prolific, still average 1.7 goals per game, showing they can be dangerous if given opportunities.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Portugal’s Strengths:
- Attacking Depth: With players like Ronaldo, Fernandes, and Jota, Portugal have multiple goal-scoring threats.
- Defensive Solidity: Conceding only twice in their qualifiers highlights their defensive strength.
- Experience and Youth: A blend of seasoned veterans and talented youngsters provides balance and dynamism.
Weaknesses:
- Potential Over-Reliance on Key Players: Heavy dependence on Ronaldo and Fernandes could be a vulnerability if these players are neutralised.
- Injury Concerns: Any late injuries could disrupt their preparations and affect team cohesion.
Finland’s Strengths:
- Compact Defence: Their ability to organise defensively can frustrate attacking teams.
- Counter-Attacking Threat: With pacey forwards like Pukki, Finland can exploit spaces left by attacking opponents.
Weaknesses:
- Inconsistent Form: Recent mixed results indicate a lack of stability.
- Limited Depth: A smaller pool of top-tier talent compared to Portugal.
Managerial Critique
Roberto Martinez has revitalised Portugal with a blend of tactical acumen and motivational prowess. His successful qualification campaign is a testament to his ability to harness the potential of his squad. However, his tenure with Belgium showed occasional tactical rigidity, which he must avoid with Portugal to fully capitalise on their attacking talents.
Markku Kanerva has done well to get the best out of Finland’s limited resources, but his conservative approach sometimes stifles their attacking potential. His challenge will be to balance defensive organisation with enough attacking impetus to threaten teams like Portugal.
Betting Angles and Predictions
Best Bet for the Match: Portugal -1 to Win
Portugal’s overwhelming attacking talent and solid defensive record make them favourites. Given Finland’s recent form, betting on Portugal to win by more than one goal seems prudent.
Correct Score Prediction: Portugal 3-0 Finland
Considering Portugal’s attacking depth and Finland’s inconsistent form, a 3-0 scoreline in favour of Portugal is plausible. Portugal’s ability to control the game and create numerous chances supports this prediction.
Goalscorer Prediction: Cristiano Ronaldo to Score Anytime
Ronaldo remains a crucial player for Portugal, and his record in qualifiers underscores his goal-scoring prowess. His positioning and finishing ability make him a likely candidate to score.
Corner Prediction: Portugal to Have More Corners
Portugal’s attacking style, characterised by frequent wing play and crossing, will likely result in more corners. They average 7.2 corners per game, significantly higher than Finland’s 4.2.
Innovative Market Prediction: Total Team Shots on Target Over 8.5
Portugal’s aggressive attacking approach, averaging 8.1 shots on target per game, makes this a reasonable prediction. Against a defensively inclined Finland, Portugal will aim to maximise their shooting opportunities.
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