Portugal Vs Israel: Here Are The Strengths And Tactics Of The Two Teams

Portuguese creative midfielder Bruno Fernandes (Twitter @selecaoportugal)

JAKARTA - The long-awaited Euro 2020 is almost here. The month-long Blue Continent countries soccer party will start this weekend. Defending champions Portugal will be the last team to complete their preparations against hosts Israel at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on Wednesday, June 9, evening or Thursday morning WIB.

Portugal have enjoyed their best spell in international football for the past half-decade having won Euro 2016 before going all the way in the inaugural edition of the UEFA Nations League.

But lately, they haven't been at their best. Cristiano Ronaldo et al have only won three of their last six matches. It was only a narrow win.

Israel, on the other hand, has had its usual ups and downs since the resumption of international football last year. The Blue and White have won just four of their eleven matches, although in the last match against Montenegro they won convincingly 3-1.

In the last meeting between the two countries, Portugal and Israel shared a 1-1 draw in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match. Ahead of the meeting between the two sides this morning, VOI tried to take a closer look at the strengths and tactics of the two teams.

Portugal

Coach Fernando Santos had faced fear after his squad faced Spain featuring Sergio Busquets. The captain tested positive for COVID-19 after the match.

However, the entire Portugal squad and staff have tested negative. Meaning, A Selecao will appear in full force against Israel.

Portugal is still applying the 4-2-3-1 pattern. Anthony Lopes is likely to get a rare start in goal.

Ruben Dias will partner with Jose Fonte in the center back position. While Joao Cancelo came on as right-back and Nuni Mendes at left-back.

In midfield, Joao Moutinho is predicted to form a partnership with Danilo Pereira. Creative responsibility will rest on the shoulders of Bruno Fernandes and Pedro Goncalves, who will be deployed on the right flank, with Diogo Jota starting on the left flank.

Lastly, Andre Silva looks set to be given the chance to lead Portugal's front row with the rest of captain Cristiano Ronaldo.

Possible line-up (4-2-3-1): Lopes; Cancelo, Fonte, Dias, Mendes; Moutinho, Danilo; Pedro Goncalves, Bruno Fernandes, Jota; André Silva.

ltimo treino antes do jogo! #VamosComTudo pic.twitter.com/fFx5VpgL46

— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 8, 2021

Israel

On the opposing side. Willi Ruttensteiner selected the experimental squad for Euro 2020 where as many as seven debutants were called up to the camp. The coach will use a 4-4-2 formation in the match against Portugal, where Ofir Marciano is likely to be placed between the posts.

Defensively, Sun Menahem and vice-captain Eitan Tibi will be paired at the heart of Israel's back line, with Eli Dasa and Ofir Davidzada as two full-backs.

Bibras Natkho will be a key player in the visitors' midfield. The Israel captain tried to keep the midfield tight, along with Neta Lavi. Wide, Manor Solomon and Mohammad Abu Fani will provide the push forward through the wings.

On the front lines, the duo Eran Zahavi and Yonas Malede who are in their best form will bang on the Portugal goal. As for Osama Khalaila, he can be one of the players who will be taken off the bench in the match later.

Possible line-up (4-4-2): Marciano; Dasa, Tibi, Menahem, Davidzada; Solomon, Natkho, Lavi, Fani; Malede, Zahavi.

Key stats

- Wednesday's match will be the seventh meeting between Portugal and Israel. A Selecao have won three of their previous six matches, while Israel have won just once (2 draws).

- Israel have lost just one of their last five matches in all competitions, winning three (1 draw).

- Portugal have lost just one of their last 14 matches in all competitions since October 2019 (9 wins, 4 draws).

- Portugal have kept a clean sheet in seven of their last nine matches at home.

- Diogo Jota has an impressive goalscoring record for Portugal, scoring six goals in 13 appearances for the A Selecao.

Portugal versus Israel match will be broadcast live via Mola TV live streaming on Thursday, June 10, at 01.45 WIB.