Portugal faces Poland this Friday evening (8:45 p.m.), during the fifth day of the Nations League group stage. Discover the eleven Portuguese players who should start the match
A month after the last international break, the Seleção returns to action to play its last two Nations League matches. Starting with Poland, this Friday evening. At home, Robert Lewandowski's teammates, who will not be there this timelost with a score of three goals to one. At the Estádio do Dragão, located in Porto, they will try to stay alive in this competition to hope to reach the quarter-finals, while Portugal only needs a small point to be sure of being there .
Defense issues
In his starting eleven, Roberto Martinez will have to compose without Rúben Dias, the captain of the Portuguese defense. In his absence, in addition to that of Gonçalo Inácio, it is António Silva who has the most selections in this position (15). Next comes Renato Veiga (1) then Tomás Araújo and Tiago Djaló who have never worn the Seleção jersey.
However, António Silva is no longer really a starter at SL Benfica, in favor of the duo composed of Nicolas Otamendi and… Tomás Araújo. The latter could therefore, as at club, steal the starting place from his young teammate, while Renato Veiga would complete the hinge.
In the midfield, João Neves, who did not play a single minute during the last break, could still start from the start, in the absence of João Palhinha who was forced to withdraw this Thursday. Up front, Cristiano Ronaldo could be accompanied, as in three of Portugal's last four matches, by wingers Rafael Leão and Pedro Neto.
The probable composition of Portugal
Diogo Costa, Nuno Mendes, Tomás Araújo, Renato Veiga, Diogo Dalot, João Neves, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leão, Cristiano Ronaldo and Pedro Neto.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
