Portugal vs Ireland prediction: WORLD: Friendly International betting tips on match 2024-06-10 18:45.
[p]After putting together a perfect qualification campaign for this summer’s upcoming UEFA European Championships, Portugal have found their momentum stunted of late by a run of two defeats from their last three matches (W1). The most recent was a 2-1 loss against Croatia, which leaves the Seleção at risk of losing back-to-back friendlies for the first time since 2015 ahead of their final pre-Euros outing against Republic of Ireland.[/p]
[p]Perhaps most concerningly for boss Roberto MartĂnez ahead of their group opener against Czech Republic is the fact that Portugal have now conceded exactly twice in each of their last four matches. That’s all the more peculiar given that they kept a clean sheet in nine of their Euros qualifiers, though home supporters will certainly be confident of getting back on the winning trail given their solid H2H record historically (W8, D3, L4). [/p]
[p]The Republic of Ireland will be determined to improve on that return having just ended a four-match winless run (D2, L2) by securing a last-gasp victory over Hungary. Interim boss John O’Shea was pleased that his side “found a way to win” as he gears up to lead the Boys in Green for the final time before a permanent boss is appointed over the summer.[/p]
[p]O’Shea remains a frontrunner for the post and he can perhaps enhance his chances with another positive result here. While Ireland failed to emerge victorious from a pair of H2H meetings in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup (D1, L1), the single-goal margin of defeat suggests that they’re capable of competing with one of international football’s powerhouses on this occasion. [/p]
[p]Players to watch: Perhaps lost amongst the raft of superstars in the Portugal squad, Diogo Jota has outlined his importance by scoring in both of their June friendlies. Troy Parrott netted Ireland’s stoppage-time winner against Hungary, taking his goal tally to eight from his last four appearances for club and country.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Ireland haven’t scored multiple goals in back-to-back matches since March 2022.[/p]