After picking a shocking win against the Republic of Ireland, Luxembourg will build on their momentum when they take on rattled Portugal. The match schedules for Tuesday at Sergei Ivanov, with kickoff at 9:45 pm.
Group A qualifying bout is proving a hard mountain for most sides, mainly with the unpredictability that keeps unfolding. Even though the hosts are not part of Qatar’s road, Portugal dropped two points in a highly controversial 2-2 draw with Serbia last Saturday night.
Captain Cristian Ronaldo felt furious after a last-minute goal was disallowed after it appeared to pass the goal line. The referee decision left the former Real Madrid star fuming while throwing the captain armband and heading for the locker.
However, Ronaldo came out on his social media handles to motivate his side to move on despite the poor referee decision. The reigning European and Nations League champions remain behind Serbia on goals following that frustrating draw. A trip to Luxembourg presents a chance for the side to stamp their authority in Group A.
On the other hand, Lucas side suffered a 1-0 friendly defeat to Qatar just three days earlier. Moreover, the Three Lions have put in enough time to win their seventh match in World Cup qualifying since 1934. A victory will mark their best points tally in a qualification campaign.
Luxembourg vs Portugal Head to Head
Both sides have nine games against each other, with Portugal taking home nine wins while hosts without a win. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Ireland 0-1 Luxembourg
Luxembourg 0-1 Qatar
Cyprus 2-1 Luxembourg
Luxembourg 0-3 Austria
Montenegro 1-2 Luxembourg
Away
Serbia 2-2 Portugal
Portugal 1-0 Azerbaijan
Croatia 2-3 Portugal
Portugal 0-1 France
Portugal 7-0 Andorra
Luxembourg Team News
It would come as a surprise for Holtz to drop anyone ahead of their clash to fix what is already broken. Lars Gerson might get a start on the bench unless he opts for a five at the back to counter the attacking force from their opponents.
Portugal Team News
Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandez picked up a second booking and remains unavailable for this clash. However, it leaves a spot for Ruben Neves to fill in this time. Fellow teammate Joao Moutinho missed their last match and remained out of this clash, thus paving Renato Sanchez’s way to impress.
Prediction and Odds
There is little the hosts will be playing for in this match, thus giving their opponents a bigger hand.
Portugal Win
Goals Over 3.5
Jota to Score
