Portugal vs Gibraltar: Match Preview and Prediction

By

  Kenneth Offor

Portugal vs Gibraltar
International Friendly.
Date: Thursday; 1-September-2016
Kick-off: 19:45 UK
Venue: Estadio do Bessa, Porto.

Current European Champions Portugal will be hosting a low rated side Gibraltar at Estadio do Besa on Thursday in an international friendly as they prepare ahead of the World Cup qualifying games.

Portugal’s race to the Euro Championship glory wasn’t an easy one as they started off in an unconvincing fashion drawing each of their three group games. They qualified for the round of 16 as one of the best third placed teams. However,  they rose in stature as the knock-out stages progress and eventually finished up with the cup in their hands. Now they will be looking to carry forward the good form when they kick-start their World Cup qualification campaign this weekend.

Gibraltar didn’t qualify for the Euro Championship, they were among the absentees of the tournament. They enter this game from a 5-0 home thrashing at the hands of Latvia. Also Gibraltar are currently without a win in this year, they have lost 6 of their last 5 games. They hope to turn things around as they prepare for World Cup qualifiers.

Portugal vs Gibraltar: Head to Head Statistics

Portugal and Gibraltar have never played against each other, both teams will be playing against each other for the first time.

Portugal vs Gibraltar: Prediction

Gibraltar’s form have been nothing to write home about, they have conceded at least 4 goals in 5 of their last 6 games. Furthermore they have failed to score in 5 of their last 6 games, while they have scored just a goal in their last 6. However, They are the underdogs in this game, and they will have to put extra efforts to win the game.

The Portuguese have no excuse of losing this game, they are the favourites and the current champions of Europe with heavy squad depth. They are expected to win this one easily.