Portugal vs Luxembourg

Portugal’s impeccable Euro 2024 qualifying record will be on the line when they meet high-flying Luxembourg at the Estadio Algarve.

Bruno Fernandes’ strike toward the end of the first half propelled Portugal to a narrow 1-0 victory at Slovakia last time out, helping his country begin matchday six as one of only three nations in the Euro 2024 qualifying cycle with a 100% win record (W5). What’s more impressive is that since Roberto Martinez replaced long-serving boss Fernando Santos on the touchline following a disappointing 2022 World Cup, the ‘Selecao’ haven’t conceded a single goal in five matches while netting 15 themselves. Interestingly, 40% of those goals came in a 6-0 demolition of Luxembourg in the reverse fixture, a result which saw the Iberian powerhouse extend their H2H winning streak to 15 games, all competitions included. It’s also worth noting they’ve won the last two by 5+ goals ‘to nil,’ suggesting another overwhelming success could be in store.

Luckily for visiting Luxembourg, Cristiano Ronaldo won’t be on the pitch after accumulating yellow cards, which could inspire their quest to build on a stellar three-match winning run in the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. Indeed, since that disastrous loss to Portugal, they have won every qualifying fixture to go level on points with runners-up Slovakia at the start of this round. Containing the damage could be the visitors’ primary assignment in Faro, considering a goal difference could determine their fate in Group J. Encouraged by their longest winning streak since September 2018, ‘Les Lions Rogues’ have not just won three matches in a single Euro qualifying cycle for the first time since 1996. They are also genuine competitors to reach the final tournament for the first time in the nation’s history.