Portugal worked hard in a Sunday game that was like a fight between attacking and defending teams. They secured a 2-0 victory over Iceland.
Portugal hosted Iceland in their last Euro 2024 qualifying match. The former Euro champions aimed to end their qualifying campaign with a victory. On Sunday, Nov. 19, Portugal hosted Iceland at the Estádio José Alvalade. The kickoff was scheduled for 7:45 p.m. WET local time in Lisbon, Portugal.
In India, fans enjoyed the live action of the Portugal vs. Iceland UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers match on Sony Sports channels. They tuned into the Sony Sports Network TV channel for the live telecast of the match.
Determining the outcome of the match, Ricardo Horta, coming off the bench, scored the second goal. Taking advantage of a misdirected shot by Joao Felix, Horta seized the opportunity. He scored with a tap-in after Ronaldo’s initial attempt hit the goalkeeper’s face. With finesse, Horta converted the second rebound, doubling Portugal’s advantage.
In the end, Iceland tried hard to score, hitting the crossbar, but the hosts, Portugal, found the evening’s job easy. They won all ten games in the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. Now, everyone is pretty sure they will be one of the top teams in the tournament in Germany next summer.
Game preview: Portugal vs Iceland
Concluding their impressive qualification journey, Portugal has already secured a spot in the 2024 European Summer Olympics. The team now faces Iceland in Lisbon on Sunday night. Furthermore, with a flawless record in Group J, Roberto Martinez’s team accumulated 27 points from nine wins, ensuring a place in Pot 1 for the championship match. Meanwhile, Iceland, currently in fourth place, has missed the chance to advance from this division.
Brilliantly starting his career, Portugal’s head coach Martinez has led the team to nine consecutive victories. Despite upcoming challenges, the team has shown resilience since their 2022 World Cup quarterfinal exit.
Since their elimination, Portugal hasn’t lost, breezing through the Euro 2024 qualifiers with nine straight wins. They secured a 2-0 victory against Liechtenstein, scoring 34 goals and conceding only twice.
As Martinez continues to assess the team, players strive to secure spots in the final roster for the summer trip to Germany. Seeking their tenth consecutive win on Sunday, the hosts are in full evaluation mode.
On the contrary, Iceland has struggled in this category, finishing fourth with 10 points after nine games—three wins, one tie, and five losses.
Match overview: Portugal vs Iceland
Portugal wrapped up their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign flawlessly, winning all 10 games, including a victory over Iceland. Bruno Fernandes showcased control, firing a shot into the bottom corner with help from Bernardo Silva’s flick.
Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s saved attempt, Ricardo Horta scored the second goal. Under Roberto Martinez’s guidance since January 2023, Portugal has triumphed in every game this season.
Players’ exceptional performance
Joao Cancelo performed well with a score of 7/10. Additionally, he smoothly dribbled on both flanks, transitioning effortlessly from left to right and delivering superb crosses. Truly impressive.
Bruno Fernandes was impressed with a score of 8/10. He scored a stunning goal, driving a brilliant effort into the bottom corner from the top of the penalty area. Furthermore, he showcased exceptional passing skills, running the show at times. Bruno Fernandes, following a clever flick from Bernardo Silva, finally pierced through Iceland’s determined defense with an amazing goal. He skillfully drilled a crisp drive into the bottom corner from the top of the box.
Bernardo Silva (7/10). Contributed to Fernandes’ opener with an impudent backheel and consistently made himself available for passes. He excelled at finding space, and Iceland struggled to mark him before his substitution at the 62-minute mark. Transitioning to Cristiano Ronaldo (4/10). Headed an excellent chance over on the half-hour mark. Despite a missed opportunity after a Felix shot, his rebound was saved, and Horta tapped in instead. Ronaldo was mostly anonymous.
Moving on to Joao Felix (7/10). A clever footballer who consistently found space in the tightest areas on the left wing. Although he couldn’t score himself, he did everything else exceptionally well.
Ricardo Horta (7/10). Substituted for Silva, he quickly scored, tapping in after a goalmouth scramble.
Transitioning to Raphael Guerreiro (6/10). Coming on for Joao Mario late in the game, he deflected an Iceland shot onto the crossbar.
Portugal vs Iceland: Star Player
Joao Felix (Portugal) delivered a dominating performance, playing a central role in Portugal’s attacking strategies. The former Chelsea loanee, with his nimble footwork, consistently outplayed defenders, creating scoring chances with shots and crosses.
Despite not scoring, it remains a mystery as to why he didn’t find the net on the night, much like the enigma of his struggles in the Premier League. Nevertheless, this was a top-notch performance from Joao Felix.
Significant moment of the match
37′ Goal! Iceland 1-0 Portugal (Bruno Fernandes). Fernandes breaks the tie with an incredible low drive into the far bottom corner. Exploiting space on the box’s edge, the Manchester United player scores.
Moving to 52′: Excellent Save Denies Ronaldo. After Mario’s cross, Ronaldo powerfully heads the ball, but Valdimarsson dives well to prevent the goal.
66′ Goal! Iceland 2-0 Portugal (Ricardo Horta): The substitute scores with his first touch, tapping into an empty net from five yards out after Ronaldo’s rebound is blocked, and Felix’s attempt is saved.
In the final moments at 90+3′, we see: OFF THE BAR! Iceland almost makes a comeback. Oskarsson’s attempt is stopped, but Traustasson’s shot hits the crossbar after being deflected by Guerreiro’s head.
