Portugal Vs. Scotland: Seleccao Das Quinas Hunts For Next Victory

Cristiano Ronaldo, kembali memimpin Portugal melawan Scotland (foto: x @selecaoportugal)

JAKARTA - After starting their UEFA Nations League campaign with a win, Portugal will seek a second win on Sunday evening September 8 when they host Scotland at the Estadio da Luz.

A historic goal from Cristiano Ronaldo helped Selecao get full points in Group A League 1, while Scotland lost again in the final minutes.

Diogo Dalot's early goal paved the way for Cristiano Ronaldo to score his 900th career last Thursday, as Portugal secured their 2-1 win in their Nations League opener against Croatia. Dalot scored after receiving a pass from Bruno Fernandes, before Ronaldo added to the team's lead. However, Dalot's own goal saw Croatia reduce the gap.

After being eliminated in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, Portugal gave a positive response with this victory. Coach Roberto Martinez is determined to bring Portugal to the title, which they won in 2019. Victory at home in two consecutive matches will be very important, and even second place in the group is enough to qualify for the quarter-finals in UEFA's new format.

On the other hand, Scotland, handled by Steve Clarke, suffered a dramatic defeat against Poland. Despite having equalized through goals from Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay, they ended up losing 3-2 to a penalty in the final minute.

Scotland are currently under heavy pressure, having won just one win in 13 games throughout 2024, including their elimination from Euro 2024 with just one point from three matches. They must avoid defeat if they do not want to be relegated from the League A Nations League.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez will probably rotate in his squad. Pedro Goncalves and Francisco Trincao competed with Rafael Leao and Pedro Neto for the attacking position that supported Cristiano Ronaldo. Meanwhile, Nelson Semedo and Joao Neves were able to find a place at the starting XI after being introduced in the second half against Croatia.

Scotland, without Callum McGregor, who retired from the national team, is likely to field a well-known line-up. Torino striker Che Adams was forced to withdraw due to injury, so Lawrence Shankland or Lyndon Dykes will be the main striker. Scott McTominay, who scored his international 10th goal against Poland, could be the main threat behind the attackers.

Portugal (4-2-3-1):Costa; Dalot, Dias, A. Silva, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha; B. Silva, Fernandes, Leao; Ronaldo

Scotland (4-2-3-1): Gunn; Ralston, Hanley, McKenna, Robertson; McClean, Gilmour; McGinn, McTominay, Christie; Dyke