Luxembourg vs Portugal

Luxembourg and Portugal are set to trade tackles in a lopsided Euro 2024 qualifying Group J encounter at the Stade de Luxembourg.

Luxembourg defied their status as group outsiders in a morale-boosting 0-0 away draw against Slovakia in their Group J opener, marking a fifth share of the spoils in their last six internationals (W1). Low scoring has been a common theme, though, with three of their four most recent outings under 1.5 total goals. Unfortunately, another stalemate won’t help Luxembourg arrest an underwhelming run of eight successive Euro qualifiers without a victory (D2, L6). Indeed, the qualifying stages are where the ‘Red Lions’ usually collapse, as evidenced by their abysmal return of four wins in their last 59 qualifiers (D5, L50). That includes a disappointing three-match losing home streak in Euro qualification campaigns, a run ominously bookended by a 2-0 defeat to non-other than Portugal.

Unlike their hosts, Portugal enjoyed a stellar start to their Group J journey, dispatching lowly Liechtenstein 4-0 thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s second-half brace. After impressing on his touchline debut, new boss Roberto Martinez will be looking to help Portugal overcome an indifferent form across their last four competitive games on hostile turf (W1, D2, L1). Facing Luxembourg could be just what the doctor ordered, with the ‘Selecao’ winning all 12 H2Hs in the 21st century, friendlies included. The two nations most recently met in the 2022 World Cup qualifying, with Portugal winning both legs by an aggregate score of 8-1, including a 3-1 triumph in Luxembourg’s backyard. It’s also worth noting that the visitors have only lost one away Euro qualifier since 2011 (W7, D1).

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