On the Iberian Peninsula, a footballing spectacle awaits as Portugal prepare to lock horns with Iceland, the Nordic underdogs, in a crucial 2024 UEFA Euro qualifier game at the Estádio José Alvalade today in Lisboa. This encounter promises a captivating display of contrasting styles and tactical ingenuity, with the Strakarnir okkar (Our Boys) harboring ambitions of testing a new strategy against a big favorite.
Portugal have been dominant in Group J with 9 perfect victories, the most recent being against Liechtenstein by 0-2 where Cristiano Ronaldo scored the first goal of the game and about ten minutes later in the 57th minute Joao Cancelo scored the final 2-0.
Iceland still has a small chance of reaching the next round of the tournament through the Nations League Play-offs, but they must take this game as a test to fix any offense or defense issues. The most recent game for Iceland was a 4-2 defeat against Slovakia, although they scored the first goal in that game in the 17th minute they could do nothing to avoid the defeat.
Portugal’s lineup
Portugal, led by the enigmatic Roberto Martinez, boasts a star-studded lineup brimming with attacking prowess. Cristiano Ronaldo, the talismanic captain, remains a potent force, while the likes of Bernardo Silva, João Félix, and Diogo Jota.
Portugal’s style is characterized by a blend of technical brilliance and tactical flexibility, capable of adapting to various opponents. But they depend a lot on what Cristiano Ronaldo can do in the tournament, so far he has scored 10 goals.
Portugal’s confirmed lineup against Iceland: Diogo Costa, Joao Mario, Ruben Dias, Gonçalo Inacio, Joao Cancelo, Joao Palhinha, Otavio, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Iceland’s lineup
Iceland, on the other hand, embodies the spirit of Nordic grit and resilience. Their approach is more direct and physical, relying on a strong defensive foundation and quick transitions to catch opponents on the counterattack.
Iceland’s confirmed lineup against Portugal: Hakon Rafn Valdimarsson, Gudmundur Þorarinsson, Gudlaugur Victor Palsson, Sverrir Ingi Ingason, Hjörtur Hermannsson, Johann Berg Gudmundsson, Arnor Sigurdsson, Jon Dagur Þorsteinsson, Alfred Finnbogason, Willum Þor Willumsson and Isak Bergmann Johannesson.
