Czech Republic v Portugal is a match for the fifth day of the Nations League and is scheduled for Saturday at 20:45
REPUBLIC – PORTUGAL | Saturday 8.45pm
Gerarchies are well defined in League A Group 2, where the last two matches are likely to see an all-Iberian clash between Spain and Portugal for first place and qualification for the Final Four. Awaiting the direct clash scheduled for next Tuesday in the Lusitanian city of Braga, Fernando Santos’ selection cannot afford to lose any more ground, having one point less than Luis Enrique’s Red Furies, who currently lead the group standings. After the draw in Spain and two victories in a row, both obtained at home against Switzerland (4-0) and the Czech Republic (2-0), Cristiano Ronaldo and his team-mates suffered their first defeat on Swiss soil. A negative result, the only one so far, which, however, does not allow them to be level on points with their Spanish ‘cousins’. Consequently, the margin for error is very small.
La Roja are ahead and, in anticipation of their likely success against Switzerland, Portugal must win in Prague to be certain of going all out on Tuesday in front of their home crowd. The Czechs, on the other hand, face a real risk in League B: their adventure had started with a victory, but the double defeat against the two Iberian teams weighs heavily. Jaroslav Silhavy’s men – who will not be present in Qatar in two months’ time – have four points, one more than the Helvetians, but another false step could become detrimental. Finally, there are numerous absences among the Lusitanians: in addition to the disqualified Cancelo, Otavio, Guerreiro, Renato and Rafa Silva will be missing (the latter has decided to renounce the call-up, ending his experience with the national team).
Silhavy
The Prediction
Portugal cannot afford to make any calculations: win to keep their hopes of the Final Four. This, incidentally, is a match that coach Santos will need to test his team ahead of the forthcoming World Cup. CR7 and his team-mates are likely to win in a match in which even the Czech Republic, a tough selection in any case, should be able to find the way of the goal.
Czech Republic v Portugal squad
- REPUBLIC CZECH REPUBLIC (3-4-3): Vaclik; Zima, Brabec, Jemelka; Coufal, Kral, Soucek, Zeleny; Cerny, Schick, Hlozek.
- PORTOGALLO (4-3-3): Rui Patricio; Dalot, Ruben Dias, Danilo Pereira, Nuno Mendes; Ruben Neves, Carvalho, Bruno Fernandes; Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Leao.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-2
