Our prediction for this Nations League match:
Fortuna Arena will host Saturday’s Nations League game between Czech Republic and Portugal, the two teams who were beaten by Spain and Switzerland respectively in their last group games. The Czechs aim to avoid relegation to League B, but they will have a mountain to climb in round 5. Twente midfielder Michal Sadilek, who limped off with injury in the 2-0 loss to Spain, remains in the recovery room, but Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrick Schick is back to the squad.
A Selecao, on the other hand, aim to melt Spain’s advantage in top position. Since Fernando Santos can count on key players Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota, Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva for Saturday’s clash, away win should be considered. Manchester United ace Bruno Fernandes has been included as well. Earlier in the process Portugal recorded a routine 2-0 win over Czech Republic.
Highlighted Player (Tomas Soucek):
Tomas Soucek is a Czech Republic international who plays for both Slavia Prague and the Czech national team. Soucek is a product of Slavia Prague football academy and after spending several years at the likes of Viktoria Zizkov and Slovan Liberec, he returned to the Sinobo Stadium outfit in the 2017/2018 season.
Tomas Soucek has established himself as a first-team regular at Slavia Prague and he made his debut with Czech Republic on November 15, 2016 in a friendly against Denmark. The 192-cm tall midfielder has 13 caps for Czech Republic U21 team as well.
His main position on the field is defensive midfield, but he is used as central midfielder and centre-back as well. Tomas Soucek was born in Havlickuv Brod on February 27, 1995. His preferred foot is right and his contract with Slavia Prague should expire on June 30, 2024.
Highlighted Team (Portugal):
Portugal started competing at the biggest stage in the 1930’s, but they had to wait for almost seventy years to establish themselves as a top side. The third place finish at the 1966 World Cup was a one-off result as the Selecao needed another 40 years to get past the group stage, reaching the semi-finals at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Portugal enjoyed more success on the continent, finishing third at the 1984, 2000 and 2012 European Championships, while losing in the final to Greece at the Euro 2004 that was held on home soil. Despite being able to count on one of world’s best ever footballers Cristiano Ronaldo, the Selecao have yet to lift a major trophy and they will not have too many opportunities to do so before the Real Madrid superstar retires.
Eusebio remains the most famous footballer to have played for Portugal, while Luis Figo, Simao Sabrosa, Pedro Pauleta, Rui Costa and Nani are also worth mention. The Selecao currently boast an impressive pool of world-class talent and it should not be long before they end the trophy drought.