Portugal and the Czech Republic play for leadership in Lisbon

Portugal and the Czech Republic are played this Thursday at the José Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon (8:45 p.m./UEFA TV) the leadership of Group 2 of League A of the Nations League. Both teams reach the third day tied at four points at the top, two more than spainwhile the colista Swiss has not yet scored.

The Portuguese and the Czechs have achieved a victory and a draw in their first two commitments. In the case of those of Fernando Santos They signed tables against those of Luis Enrique (1-1) and thrashed the Swiss (4-0) with a double by the always insatiable Cristiano Ronaldo. For their part, those of Jaroslav Silhavy they were victorious against Switzerland (2-1) and drew a meritorious draw against the Spanish team (2-2).

The sensations in Portugalwho has accumulated four games without defeat (three wins and one draw), are optimal since he got the ticket for the Qatar World Cup 2022 in the play-offs, while the Czechs have improved a lot in recent years.

The last time they met Portugal y Czech Republic was on June 21, 2012 in the quarterfinals of the European Championship in Poland and Ukraine. In that match the Portuguese won 0-1 with a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo.

In the press conference prior to the match, the Portuguese coach, Fernando Santossaid that “it is difficult for someone in football to replace Cristiano Ronaldonot only in Portugal but also in the world, like other important players”.

Responding to a question about the status of the AC Milan striker Rafael Leaochampion of Italy and chosen best player of the A league this season, the 67-year-old coach refused to see him as the successor to CR7. “These questions should not be asked because he is not good for Rafael Leao (…) he must be himself with his characteristics and qualities,” added the winning coach of the European Championship in 2016which will celebrate its 100th match on the bench Portugal against the Czechs. His balance at the head of the Quinas is 62 wins, 21 draws and 16 losses.

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