Iceland vs Portugal preview
As Euro 2024 qualifiers match Iceland vs Portugal Preview is online in Group J, Iceland host Portugal at Laugardalsvollur on June 20, 2023.
Selecao being had victory with 3-0 winners over Bosnia & Herzegovina in their most recent meetings, while their hosts went down 2-1 at home to Slovakia.
The new coach Age Hareide being as the manager and gaining his managerial experience from his time in charge of Denmark and Norway, became Iceland manager, now going to start his career incharge of the team on Saturday as Slovakia spoiled his welcoming party.
An Alfred Finnbogason penalty on the strike of half-time saw Iceland enter the break after Juraj Kucha’s opener, but the Slovakians were not to be denied and made the net ripple once more through Tomas Suslov in the 69th minute to deny Hareide a maiden success. Republic of Ireland had a victory over Gibraltar as they had victory with 3-0 in Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Iceland had been put to the sword 3-0 by Bosnia before a 7-0 oliberation of Liechtenstein in Arnar Vidarsson’s farewell match, but having failed to stun the Slovakians, Iceland occupy fifth place in Group J at the time of writing.
Iceland’s tally of eight goals is actually the second highest in the group on their upcoming opponents, but replicating their qualifications for Euro 2016 and subsequent magical run to the quarter finals will be a tough ask for the Wily Hareide. England had the victory over North Macedonia with 7-0 in Euro 2024 qualifiers round on June 20, 2023.
Iceland’s loss to Slovakia marked just their second defeat from their last 13 Euro qualifying games on home soil – a streak which includes two beatings of Turkey and a 2-0 win over the Netherlands in 2014 – but an unblemished Portugal will be a different kettle of fish. Turkey had the victory over Wales with 2-0 in Euro 2024 qualifier round on June 20, 2023.
Team News and Injury
Iceland were dealt a significant injury blow before the defeat to Slovakia, as captain Aron Gunnarsson sustained an issue in the warm-up and is now uncertain for the visit of Portugal.
Should Gunnarsson fail a late fitness test, Burnley attacker Johann Berg Gudmundsson will likely wear the captain’s armband from the centre of the park once again.
Other than Gunarsson, Hareide has no other fitness concerns to worry about, and by benching all-time leading appearance maker Birkir Bjarnason against Slovakia, the 69-year-old proved that he is not one to take sentiment into account.
Similarly, Portugal’s squad is not free of injury, as World Cup hat-trick hero Goncalo Ramos sustained a thigh problem prior to the Bosnia success and has reportedly now been released from the camp.
The luckless Renato Sanches and uncapped Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Toti Gomes also sat out Saturday’s win, but their absences were tactical decisions from Martinez, who should see little reason to shuffle the pack after the weekend.
However, Ruben Neves provided a delightful cross for Fernandes’s first goal on the night, and the wantaway Wolves captain could now push to displace Joao Palhinha in the centre of the park.
Head-to-Head stats
In three head-to-head encounters between the two sides, Portugal has won two games and drawn one. Icelandic winger Johann Berg Gudmundsson has 10 goal contributions in 23 league starts for Burnley.
Portuguese striker Goncalo Ramos has 21 goal contributions in 30 league starts for Benfica this season. Portuguese winger Ricardo Horta has 22 goal contributions in 30 league starts for Braga this season.
Portuguese attacker Diogo Jota has 11 goal contributions in 12 league starts for Liverpool this season.
Iceland vs Portugal Prediction
Iceland has some young players in the ranks, but the most exciting is Isak Bergamann Johannesson. The midfielder was to sell prodigious talent during his time with Norrkoping and the 20 year old, who now plays for Copenhagen, is expected to play an important role for his national side in years to come.
Portugal had one of the most talented squads in international football, as an attack consisting of Rafael leao and Joao Felix will be a big challenging to most defenders, while midfielders like Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes are in the important stage of the career and will play an important role at the international level in the upcoming future.
Hence, Portugal will be favourites to win this game and will be victorious in the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifier match.
