On 12 October 2024, the UEFA Nations League saw Poland and Portugal face off in a match at the National Stadium in Warsaw. The Portuguese team, led by stars Bernardo Silva and Cristiano Ronaldo, maintained their composure and tactical rigour to secure a convincing 3-1 victory.
Bernardo Silva opened the scoring for Portugal in the first half, while Cristiano Ronaldo followed up with a second goal to give his team a 2-0 lead at the break. A courageous Poland reduced the deficit late on through a goal from Piotr Zielinski, but hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed by an own goal from Jan Bednarek.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez was pleased with his team’s performance, highlighting the hard work of the players and the successful implementation of the strategies prepared in advance.
The match was notably marked by the performance of Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored his third goal in as many games in this edition of the Nations League. His experience and goal-scoring instinct once again made the difference for Portugal.
Despite the pressure exerted by Poland, the Portuguese team managed to keep control of the game and manage the lead on the scoreboard. The substitutions made by Martinez in the second half helped to consolidate this control, with the introduction of Diogo Jota and Francisco Trincao in place of Ronaldo and Leao.
The reaction of Piotr Zielinski, a player of Inter Milan and the Polish national team, after the defeat, underlines the high level of the Portuguese team and the difficulty of competing with such a team.
Portugal thus recorded a third victory in as many games in this edition of the Nations League and now turns to its next challenge against Scotland. This positive dynamic and group cohesion promise great prospects for the rest of the competition.