Portugal take down the Czech Republic in Lisbon

Portugal now sit alone atop Group A2 of the National League after cruising to a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic on Thursday night.

Portugal take down the Czech Republic in Lisbon

Portugal now sit alone atop Group A2 of the National League after cruising to a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic on Thursday night.

The two sides entered the contest level on points following the opening two rounds of action, but Fernando Santos' men showed all of their strength in what was a comfortable victory for the home side.

Portugal: Guedes | Sportz Point.
Goncalo Guedes celebrates his goal (Image- JJA Sports)

Although the Czechs defended well early on, and even threatened Diogo Costa's goal thanks to a Jan Kuchta effort, Portugal eventually turned their 62 percent first half possession into goals.

A fine Bernardo Silva pass picked out Joao Cancelo, who made no mistake to open the scoring, while Goncalo Guedes added a second soon after.

Portugal continued to threaten in the second half, with the Manchester United duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes asserting their influence.

In the end, their efforts didn't turn into goals, though Portugal did see out the final minutes with relative ease, much to the delight of the Lisbon crowd.

The result means Portugal top the standings on seven points, while Spain are onto five and the Czech Republic remain on four after three matches.

Portugal are making a habit of doing well in this tournament, as the Seleção have once again made a great start to life in Group 2, taking seven points from a possible nine available. Fernando Santos' side now sit two points clear of Spain in second place, and are in pole position once again to make the finals stage.

After thrashing Switzerland 4-0 last time out - who Portugal will meet once again on Sunday in Geneva - it was more of the same this evening against a Czech Republic side that were sub-par at best.

However, you have to beat what is in front of you. After a somewhat fortunate draw against Spain in Seville in their Nations League opener, Portugal have found their feet again, and look a very dangerous outfit at this point.

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England vs Ireland UEFA Nations League Match Preview, Head to Head Stats, Streaming details, Injury Update and Possible lineups

Read the full match preview of the UEFA Nations League game that will take place between the three Lions of England and the Green Army of Ireland.

Muojindu Francis

Nov 17, 2024, 1:31 PM

England vs Ireland UEFA Nations League Match Preview, Head to Head Stats, Streaming details, Injury Update and Possible lineups

All eyes will be on Wembley as England take on Ireland in a highly anticipated UEFA Nations League clash. As the two footballing nations collide, fans can expect a great contest today.

The Boys in Green arrive at Wembley as underdogs but with no shortage of fighting spirit. Ireland will rely on their team’s work ethic and tactical discipline to frustrate England and create opportunities on the break. Players like Evan Ferguson and Matt Doherty will be crucial in providing defensive solidity and a cutting-edge in attack.

Match Details

Match: England vs Ireland

Date: 17 November 2024

Time: 10:30 PM IST

Venue: Wembley Stadium, London, England.

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Streaming Details

Indian viewers can stream the game live on the SonyLIV app and website. The TV broadcast will be on Sony Sports Network channels.

Head-to-head Stats 

Matches Played: 6

England wins: 2

Ireland wins: 1

Draws: 3

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Previous Records

England delivered a dominant display on Thursday, securing a comfortable 3-0 victory over former group leaders Greece in Athens.

Ollie Watkins, preferred over Harry Kane, struck early to open the scoring within seven minutes, followed by an own goal from Odysseas Vlachodimos that doubled England's advantage. Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones capped off the performance with a stunning backheeled goal on his debut.

This marks England’s fourth win in five games under interim manager Lee Carsley, who will step down after Sunday’s match.

Historically, England remain unbeaten against the Republic of Ireland since their 1988 European Championship loss, though six of their last eight encounters have ended in draws

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Team News and Injury Update

England still has some key players out as a result of injury but Lee Carsely still boasts of a formidable side that can compete against Ireland to secure all 3 points while Ireland is not without any significant absentees a tough test still awaits them at Wembley.

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Possible Starting XI

England predicted XI: Pickford; Lewis, Guehi, Harwood-Bellis, Hall; Gallagher, Gomes; Bowen, Bellingham, Rogers; Kane.

Ireland predicted XI: Kelleher; Doherty, Collins, Scales, O’Dowda; Ebosele, Cullen, Molumby, Johnston; Szmodics, Ferguson.

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Italy vs France UEFA Nations League: Match Preview, Head to Head stats, Streaming Details, Injury Update and Possible Lineups

Read the full match preview, head-to-head stats, streaming details, team news and possible lineups of the Italy vs France UEFA Nations League 2024 match as the European powerhouses set to tussle against each other.

Muojindu Francis

Nov 17, 2024, 2:42 AM

Italy vs France UEFA Nations League: Match Preview, Head to Head stats, Streaming Details, Injury Update and Possible Lineups

The stage is set for an epic showdown as Italy takes on France in what promises to be an exciting Nations League clash. With a storied history of rivalries and memorable encounters, both teams come into this match with high stakes.

Italy secured their spot in the Nations League knockout phase on Thursday night with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Belgium, thanks to Sandro Tonali’s early strike. The Azzurri’s fourth win in five matches came after overcoming a few nervy moments, extending their unbeaten run since their disappointing Euro 2024 exit.

Luciano Spalletti's men have shown remarkable improvement, previously defeating Israel twice and holding Belgium to a draw in Rome despite being reduced to 10 men for nearly an hour. The campaign began on a high in September when Italy bounced back from conceding in just 13 seconds to beat arch-rivals France at Parc des Princes.

Now through to the quarter-finals in March, Italy could secure top spot in Group 2 with a result on Sunday. They need to avoid a loss by two goals or more. Meanwhile, although France has also qualified for the next round, their November camp has been far from smooth.

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Match Details

Match: Italy vs France

Date: 17 November 2024

Time: 1:15 AM IST

Venue: San Siro Stadium, Milan, Italy

Streaming Details

Indian viewers can stream the game live on the SonyLIV app and website. The TV broadcast will be on Sony Sports Network channels.

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Head-to-Head Stats

Matches Played: 13

France wins: 7

Italy wins: 5

Draws: 1

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Team News and Injury Update

With qualification already secured, Italy may opt for some changes to their lineup, potentially rotating their attack. 

Italy's injury concerns include Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori, Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci, and long-term absentees Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini. Manuel Locatelli has been called up to replace Ricci and will compete with Nicolo Rovella for a midfield spot.

On the other hand, France will be without Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé, whose absence remains unexplained, as well as injured players Wesley Fofana, Ousmane Dembélé, Loïc Badé, and Aurélien Tchouaméni.

AC Milan duo Theo Hernandez and Mike Maignan are expected to start on familiar ground at San Siro. At the same time, Inter Milan's Marcus Thuram will contend with Randal Kolo Muani for the central striker role. Kingsley Coman, brought in to replace the injured Dembélé, is in the mix alongside Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola for starting spots in France's attacking lineup.

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Possible Starting XI

Italy's possible starting lineup: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Bastoni; Cambiaso, Frattesi, Locatelli, Tonali, Dimarco; Barella; Retegui

France possible starting lineup: Maignan; Kounde, Konate, Saliba, Hernandez; Kante, Rabiot; Olise, Zaire-Emery, Barcola; Thuram

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Greece vs England UEFA Nations League: Preview, Head to Head Stats, Permutations and State of Play

Dive into all the details ahead of tonight's football match between England and Greece in the UEFA Nations League where the three lions are expected to exert dominance over their opponents.

Muojindu Francis

Nov 14, 2024, 4:26 PM

Greece vs England UEFA Nations League: Preview, Head to Head Stats, Permutations and State of Play

England is set to face Greece in their UEFA Nations League group game scheduled to kick off at 1.15 AM IST on 15 November 2024. This match will take place at Spiros Louis Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece.

Greece has won all four of their games, continuing their outstanding run of play. The team leads the group with 12 points and an 8-goal edge.

Despite losing one game, the Englishmen have not played poorly either, sitting second in the standings with nine points out of a possible twelve.

Fans should anticipate a very difficult match as a result of the coaching change for the English men's national team, which will bring a mix of new ideas and playing styles.

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Match Details

Match: Greece vs England

Date: 15 November 2024

Time: 1:15 AM IST

Venue: Spiros Louis Olympic Stadium, Athens, Greece

Streaming Details

Indian viewers can stream the game live on the SonyLIV app and website. The TV broadcast will be on Sony Sports Network channels.

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Head-to-head Stats

Matches Played: 10

Greece wins: 1

England wins: 7

Draws: 2

Previous Records

The three lions of England have always had the better of the Greek national team the UEFA Nations League matches between these sides comes after an 18 year stint of not playing against each other.

Greece got their first ever win against England last month with a narrow 2-1 result. It remains to be seen if they can repeat the same feat in this reverse fixture. With 7 wins from 10 England are the sure favourities in this game.

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Team News and Injury Updates

England

The absence of several important players, such as Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal, has delivered Lee Carsely a severe blow. Additionally, Grealish, Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander Arnold, and John Stones will not be playing.

His team's setup will undoubtedly be impacted by these injuries since he will need to adjust formations and employ new tactics to guarantee his team's victory.

Greece

Luckily enough for the home team there would not be much to worry about as they are only dealing with the absence of Kourbelis and this is due to suspension and not any other reason. It is expected that they will field their strongest side.

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Possible Starting XI

England

Pickford(GK) Lewis, Guehi, Konsa, Walker, Gallagher,Gomes,  Gordon, Bellingham, Madueke, Kane

Greece

Vlachodimos(GK) Rota, Mavropanos, Koulierakis, Tsimkas, Sopis, Mantalos, Masouras, Bakasetas, Tzolis, Pavlidis

 

 

 

 

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Portugal vs Poland UEFA Nations League: Preview, Head to Head, Permutations and State of Play

As the UEFA Nations League resumes Sportz Point brings you all the talking points to look out for in a game that promises to nothing short of exciting.

Muojindu Francis

Nov 14, 2024, 2:32 PM

Portugal vs Poland UEFA Nations League: Preview, Head to Head, Permutations and State of Play

Portugal will pay host to the Polish team in the UEFA Nationes League group game on the 15th of November 2024 at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto at 1.15 AM IST.

The hosts currently sit at the top of group 1 in League A recording 3 wins and 1 draw from four matches currently played and they will have the chance to extend their lead if they secure a crucial win against Poland.

However, the same cannot be said for Poland. The team has managed one win out of  4 matches and they sit 3rd in the group only above Scotland. It remains to be seen if Michal Probierz can change the fortune of the team moving foward.

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Match Details

Match: Portugal vs Poland

Date: 15 November 2024

Time: 1:15 AM IST

Venue: Estadio do Dragao, Porto, Portugal

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Streaming Details

Indian viewers can stream the game live on the SonyLIV app and website. The TV broadcast will be on Sony Sports Network channels.

Head-to-head Stats

Matches Played: 9

Portugal wins: 4

Poland wins: 2

Draws: 3

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Previous Records

Portugal and Poland have faced each other 9 times. Portugal have recorded more wins as they have won 4 times in this fixture. Poland has won twice. The other 3 matches ended in a draw, with the last meeting between these two teams in October 2024. 

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Match Prediction

Portugal has a significant advantage going into games because they are the host team, which is another factor that contributes to the odds being stacked in their favour. 

It will be very tough for the Polish players to control Portugal since, on paper, they are a stronger and more balanced team with speedy forwards who can take advantage of gaps and excellent midfield players that have the capacity to maintain pressure.

Team News and Injury Update

Robert Lewandoski has been ruled out of this fixture it will be difficult to for Poland to make an impact in attack with his absence considering that he is their most prolific goal threat.

Portugal is not missing any key player heading into this fixture and this will present the perfect opportunity to improve their standing on the table.

Possible Starting XI's 

Portugal

Diogo Costa(GK), Dalot, Dias, Goncalo Inacio, Nuno Mendes, Bernado Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Palhinha, Neto, Ronaldo, Leao

Poland

Martin Bulka(GK), Kiwior, Bednarek, Piatkowski, Zaleweski, Zelinski, Moder, Szymanski, Frankowski, Urbanski, Piatek

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Belgium vs Italy UEFA Nations League: Where to watch, Previous records, Head-to-head stats

Catch all the details and head-to-head stats with previous records ahead of tonight's football match between Belgium and Italy in the UEFA Nations League.

(Image Credit | The Cult of Calcio)

Belgium is set to host Italy in a fiery encounter in the UEFA Nations League group game, scheduled to kick off at 1:15 AM IST on 15 November 2024. The match will take place at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Belgium.

Belgium is currently in the 3rd position in the Nations League Group A2 having 4 points in 4 matches. Belgium snatched a point against Italy in the Nations League encounter in October 2024, as Leandro Trossard put up a brilliant performance with 1 goal and 1 assist in the 2-2 draw.

However, Belgium lost 1-2 against France in their last outing in the Nations League. Domenico Tedesco's men bagged only one win in their last five matches; so they will be hungry for a win against Italy.

Last 5 Matches: L W L D L

Belgium vs Italy UEFA Nations League: Where to watch, Previous records, Head-to-head stats-sportzpoint.com
Belgium team photo against France on 15 October 2024. (Image Source | X)

On the contrary, Italy is currently positioned 1st in the Nations League Group A2, with 10 points in 4 matches. The Azzurri will focus on another win to increase their gap with second-placed France and solidify their chance of qualifying for the semi-finals, before facing France in the last group game on 18 November 2024. 

Luciano Spalletti's men thrashed Israel by 4-1 in their last game following a 2-2 draw against Belgium at San Siro. However, they will meet again tonight in the Nations League encounter.

Last 5 Matches: L W W D W 

Belgium vs Italy UEFA Nations League: Where to watch, Previous records, Head-to-head stats-sportzpoint.com
Italy team photo against Israel on 15 October 2024. (Image Source | X)

Match Details

Match: Belgium vs Italy

Date: 15 November 2024

Time: 1:15 AM IST

Venue: King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels, Belgium

Streaming Details

Indian viewers can stream the game live on the SonyLIV app and website. The TV broadcast will be on Sony Sports Network channels.

Head-to-head Stats (Since 2000)

Matches Played: 7

Belgium wins: 1

Italy wins: 5

Draws: 1

Previous Records

Belgium vs Italy UEFA Nations League: Where to watch, Previous records, Head-to-head stats-sportzpoint.com
Leandro Trossard became Belgium's hero with one goal and one assist in their 2-2 draw against Italy in last October. (Image Credit | Eurosport)

Since 2000, Belgium and Italy have faced each other 7 times. Italy has the lion's share in winning as they have won 5 times in this fixture. Belgium has won only once since 2000. The other match ended in a draw, which was the last meeting between these two teams in October 2024. 

Here are the previous records between these two teams since 2000:

Year Tournament Winning Team Losing Team Scoreline
2000 EURO 2000 Italy Belgium 2-0
2008 Friendly Italy Belgium 3-1
2015 Friendly Belgium Italy 3-1
2016 EURO 2016 Italy Belgium 2-0
2021 EURO 2020 Italy Belgium 2-1
2021 UEFA Nations League Italy Belgium 2-1
2024 UEFA Nations League  2-2

 

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