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Nations League: Portugal vs Spain |H2H |Team News| Prediction
The Nations League 2022-23 group stage campaign is set for blockbuster ties as Portugal host Spain in a virtual quarterfinal.
With both teams separated by just two points before the final matchday, a win for Spain will see them through as group winners while Cristiano Ronaldo and Co will book their passage into the final four with a draw. With top honors up for grabs, the clash in Portugal will be a mouth-watering prospect.
- The reverse fixture in June ended 1-1 after Alvaro Morata’s early goal was canceled out by Ricardo Horta in the second half
- The winner will join Netherlands, Italy, and Croatia in the semifinals of the Nations League
- Spain lost in the final of the Nations League last year while Portugal were the inaugural winner in 2019
Portugal vs Spain Head to Head
The two teams have recently shared a hard-fought rivalry since Euro 2012, with Portugal losing on penalties in the semifinals that time. They met in the 2018 World Cup stage where a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick saw Portugal salvage a point. In 39 matches overall in all competitions, it is the 2010 World Champions that have the upper hand with 17 wins, while 16 affairs have ended in stalemate.
They last met in June, when Alvaro Morata’s early strike gave the home side a crucial lead but was then canceled out by Ricardo Horta that saw Spain drop points. The consequences of the equalizer now see Luis Enrique’s side sit second in the standings in the group.
Portugal vs Spain Head to Head in competitive
| Format | Matches | Portugal Wins | Spain Wins | Draws |
| Overall | 39 | 6 | 17 | 16 |
| In Portugal | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Neutral | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Portugal vs Spain Qualification Permutations
The equation for both teams for the semifinal qualification is simple; a win for either side takes them through to the last four next year. Portugal will have the luxury of the draw, as it favors them as they have collected 10 points from five matches. On the flip side, Spain has collected eight points from a possible 15 and will look to gain momentum ahead of the World Cup.
Fernando Santo’s side will have to be careful as they have buckled on the crucial stage in the past, most recently against Serbia when they lost in the final minute at home in the final group game of the World Cup qualification. The Alexander Mitrovic goal saw them enter the playoffs, where they were lucky to avoid European Champions Italy.
Standings in Group A2
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
| 1 | Portugal | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 2 | +9 | 10 |
| 2 | Spain | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 5 | +2 | 8 |
| 3 | Switzerland | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 8 | −4 | 6 |
| 4 | Czech Republic | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 11 | −7 | 4 |
Portugal vs Spain I Team News
The home side will be expected to put a strong starting XI with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes marshaling the troop. The former was seen bleeding in the last match but still has enough firepower at 37 to win matches. Roma’s Rui Patricio and Manchester City’s João Cancelo are also likely to play a crucial role.
Atletico Madrid duo of Koke and Alvaro Morata will bring the experience needed in the midfield and attack while veteran stars Dani Carvajal and Jordi Alaba will be keys to unlocking the opposition defense. Manchester City star Rodri could cause problems for the likes club mate Bernardo Silva and Cancelo.
Portugal's possible starting lineup:
Costa; Dalot, Dias, Pereira, Cancelo; Neves, Palhinha, Fernandes; B. Silva, Ronaldo, Leao
Spain's possible starting lineup:
Simon; Carvajal, Garcia, Torres, Alba; Koke, Rodri, Pedri; Sarabia, Morata, Torres
Prediction:
Portugal 2-2 Spain
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