Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 match:
David faces Goliath at Estadio Algarve as Portugal take on Luxembourg in the 2022 World Cup qualifier. A Selecao aim to overtake Serbia in top position, and they are likely to go all guns blazing at Les Lions Rouges. Portugal are eyeing their fourth consecutive group win, and we predict that they will prove their worth on the field. The good news for the hosts is that Cristiano Ronaldo returns to the starting XI after serving his one-game ban in the 3-0 win over Azerbaijan.
Luxembourg, on the other hand, welcome key attacker Gerson Rodrigues back to the starting line-up. Anyhow, home win should be considered as the underdogs have slim chances of booking their place at the next year’s showpiece tournament. When the two teams met at Stade Josy Barthel earlier in the process Portugal defeated Luxembourg 3-1.
Highlighted Player (Cristiano Ronaldo):
Cristiano Ronaldo is considered one of the world’s best football players. The Portuguese ace was born on 5 February, 1985 in Funchal, Madeira and he played for the likes of Andorinha, Nacional and Sporting during his youth career. CR7 made his Sporting debut in Primeira Liga on 7 October, 2002, scoring two goals in a 3-0 win over Moreirense.
Manchester United scouts spotted him and one year later he joined the Old Trafford outfit. Ronaldo became the most expensive teenager in the history of the Premier League and he received the number 7 shirt. He quickly established himself as the team’s key player and it has to be noted that he won three consecutive Premier League trophies with the Red Devils (2006/2007, 2007/2008, 2008/2009). In 2008 he helped the Old Trafford outfit beat Chelsea in the Champions League final, scoring for Alex Ferguson’s troops in the regular time.
Ronaldo joined Real Madrid in 2009 and he helped the Spanish giants with two Champions League trophies. In 2016 he won the European Championship trophy with Portugal. The Real Madrid ace has two Golden Ball awards (2013, 2014).
Highlighted Team (Luxembourg):
Luxembourg national football team is controlled by Luxembourg Football Federation and they play their home games at Stade Josy Barthel. Les Lions Rouges have never qualified for the finals of a major tournament, but they often make life difficult for European teams in the qualifiers.
Luxembourg defeated Macedonia in the Euro 2016 qualifiers, but a victory over Czech Republic in the 1996 European Championship qualifying match is considered the team’s biggest success. Les Lions Rouges play their home matches in red shirts and red shorts, while they wear white jerseys and white shorts when playing on the travels.
Jeff Strasser is both the most famous and the most capped Luxembourg player and it has to be noted that the former Bundesliga player made 98 appearances for the national team. Luxembourg recorded their biggest win against Afghanistan (6-0), in the match that was played in London in 1948. Speaking of their biggest defeat, Luxembourg were outclassed by England 9-0 on two occasions (1960, 1982).