Poland Continue Search for First Nations League Win
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The 2018/19 UEFA Nations League is the first time we have seen the tournament in action. It has produced some very competitive leagues and games thanks to the grouping together of teams with the same ability.
However, there must be relegation and promotion and unfortunately for Poland, they are one of the teams to be relegated from UEFA Nations League A despite having one match remaining in the group. As things stand going into the final game of Group 3, Portugal have won the group, with Italy guaranteed second and Poland third.
The last match is between Portugal and Poland on the 20th November and the game will be played at the Estádio D. Afonso Henriques, Guimarães.
Portugal come into the match on the back of a 0-0 draw in Italy on Saturday and that was enough to see them win the group. Prior to that point, the Portuguese won both their group games, defeating Italy 1-0 at home before travelling to Chorzow to beat Poland 3-2 in what was an exciting match.
You must go back to the 2018 World Cup in Russia to find the last time Portugal lost a match and that was to Uruguay in the Round of 16. Trends show that game was the only defeat Portugal have suffered in their twelve matches.
Portugal have lost just one of their last eleven home games and have scored at least one goal in ten of those matches. Both teams have scored in four of their last seven home games.
Poland knew their chances of survival were over when they lost 1-0 at home to Italy. The game seemed to be drifting towards a 0-0 draw until the Italians struck a winning goal in injury time to seal maximum points.
It was the second straight defeat for Poland in the group following their previous match with Portugal which ended in a 3-2 loss on home soil. Poland took the lead in that match only to fall 3-1 behind and could not recover.
Having made a good start by picking up a point in a 1-1 draw in Bologna against the Italians, the Polish campaign has turned into a disappointment.
Trends show Poland have won only one of their last eight games which came against Japan at the 2018 World Cup. However, their away record is good and Poland have won four and drawn three of their last eight away matches.
Team news and Portugal may be tempted to give some inexperienced players a runout on this game. Nonetheless, Bernardo Silva, Andre Silva, Rui Patricio and Pepe should start the game for the hosts.
Poland will want to try and end the group on a high and that means Robert Lewandowski and Arkadiusz Milik could start up-front together as they go for the win.
Poland will be desperate to end a poor UEFA Nations League campaign on a high and have a good recent away record. However, Portugal will be full of confidence having sealed top spot and should have enough for the win.
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