Portugal vs Iceland Predictions for Sunday’s Euro 2024 qualifier. Portugal, who have already secured qualification, will conclude their outstanding Euro 2024 qualification campaign with a match against Iceland in Lisbon on Sunday evening. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Match Live Sunday, 19th November at 7:45 pm In:
Portugal vs Iceland Predictions
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Portugal’s Perfect Path to Euro 2024: A Strategic Analysis and Predictions Against Iceland
Key Stats
– Iceland’s Struggles: Only 3 wins in 9 matches, with 17 goals scored but 14 conceded.
– Cristiano Ronaldo’s Influence: 10 goals in the qualification campaign, leading Portugal’s attack.
Portugal, under Roberto Martinez, has been a formidable force in the Euro 2024 qualifiers. Their blend of experienced campaigners like Cristiano Ronaldo and emerging talents like Joao Felix and Bernardo Silva has created a dynamic and potent attacking force. Martinez’s strategic acumen is evident in Portugal’s impressive goal difference, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive solidity.
Iceland, guided by Age Hareide, has had a contrasting campaign. Struggling to find consistent form, they have been vulnerable defensively while showing glimpses of attacking potential. However, their inconsistent performances have left them trailing in the qualifiers, highlighting the need for tactical refinement.
Our Suggested Best Value Bet For This Match
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Best Value Bet Rationale
Firstly, Portugal, under Roberto Martinez’s stewardship, have displayed a formidable form, achieving a flawless record in Group J with nine consecutive wins. This streak isn’t merely about victories; it’s about dominance, as evidenced by their impressive tally of 34 goals scored and a mere two conceded. This defensive solidity, combined with an attacking prowess led by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, makes Portugal a daunting opponent.
Iceland, conversely, have experienced a challenging campaign. They sit in fourth position, having won only three of their nine matches. More telling is their struggle on the road and their defensive vulnerabilities, as highlighted in their recent 4-2 defeat to Slovakia. Given these factors, Iceland’s ability to penetrate Portugal’s robust defence seems unlikely.
Portugal’s squad depth adds another layer to this rationale. Even with potential rotations, players like Joao Palhinha and Ruben Dias are expected to maintain the team’s defensive rigour. Furthermore, the prospect of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has netted 10 goals in the qualification campaign, leading the attack against an unsteady Icelandic defence only strengthens the argument for a clean sheet victory for Portugal.
In summary, the combination of Portugal’s defensive strength, Iceland’s attacking struggles, and the overall disparity in form and quality between the two sides makes Portugal winning to nil at 8/13 a bet of significant value.
Key Tactical Battles and Gameplay Prediction
The midfield battle, particularly between Portugal’s Bruno Fernandes and Iceland’s Aron Gunnarsson, will be crucial. Portugal’s superior ball control and creativity in midfield should dominate, dictating the game’s tempo.
Portugal’s gameplay will likely be aggressive and possession-based, leveraging their technical superiority. In contrast, Iceland might adopt a more defensive stance, focusing on counterattacks.
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Managerial Strategies and Team Dynamics
Martinez’s strategic flexibility and ability to harness his squad’s strengths have been key to Portugal’s success. In contrast, Hareide’s Iceland has struggled to implement a cohesive game plan consistently.
Opinionated Analysis and ‘Our Take’
Martinez’s tenure with Portugal has been a tactical masterclass, but the real test will come in the finals. Iceland’s Hareide faces criticism for not fully capitalising on his squad’s potential, especially in crucial matches.
Expected Goals Averages and Analysis
Portugal’s high expected goals average signifies their efficient and clinical attack, while Iceland’s lower average highlights their struggles upfront and vulnerabilities in defence.
Predictions:
- Win-Draw-Win Market: Portugal’s win seems inevitable, considering their undefeated streak and home advantage.
- Correct Score Prediction: Portugal 3 – 0 Iceland. Given Portugal’s attacking strength and Iceland’s defensive woes, a comfortable win for the hosts is likely.
- Goalscorer Prediction: Cristiano Ronaldo to score anytime. Ronaldo’s form in the qualifiers and his knack for finding the back of the net makes him a prime candidate.
- Corner Prediction: Portugal to have more corners, with a total number exceeding 8 in the game. Portugal’s attacking approach often results in numerous corner opportunities.
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