Barely two months on from the culmination of UEFA Euro 2024, competitive international football is already back on the agenda with the dawn of the Nations League.
Portugal won the inaugural edition of the tournament back in 2019, famously beating firstly Switzerland and then the Netherlands to lift the trophy on its home turf. Now, they are contenders once more, but there are plenty of equation marks hanging over Roberto Martinez's man following a lackluster time in Germany this summer.
The Portuguese headed to Euro 2024 as contenders, and those predictions looked accurate following victories against the Czech Republic and Turkey in their opening two games. Defeat to lowly Georgia in the third group game didn't hurt too much considering that Portugal had already qualified for the knockout round as group winners. But questions began to rear their head following a 0-0 draw and eventual penalty shootout victory against Slovenia in the Round of 16.
Unfortunately, that was as good as it would get, and Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. bowed out in the quarterfinals after a penalty shootout defeat against France. Now, they have the opportunity to immediately heal those wounds with the UEFA Nations League getting underway. But who will Portugal face in the tournament, and how far can they realistically go?
Croatia
The latest soccer betting odds currently make Portugal a +750 fourth favorite for a second Nations League crown, and their closest competitors are expected to be Croatia, priced at +1600. They reached the final of the tournament two years ago, defeating the hosting Netherlands 4-2 after extra time in the semifinals in Rotterdam before losing to Spain on penalties in the Amsterdam-hosted showpiece.
In recent years, they have been a formidable force on the international stage, reaching the FIFA World Cup final in 2018 and finishing third in the tournament four years later.
However, they are currently in the midst of a period of rebuilding. They have been dumped out in the group stage of Euro 2024 thanks to a last-gasp goal from Italy's Mattia Zaccagni, and it remains to be seen how far they will go in the Nations League.
Veteran Luka Modric continues to lead by example, and if he is to see his team progress, he will need plenty of support from midfield comrade Mateo Kovacic and Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol.
Poland
Poland's fortunes in international football have often been tied to the form and fitness of their talismanic striker, Robert Lewandowski. As one of the most prolific forwards on the planet, the Barcelona hitman's ability to convert chances into goals is unparalleled. His presence alone can unsettle defenses, making him the focal point of Poland’s attacking strategy, even at the age of 36.
However, outside of the former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund man, there isn't too much for the Eastern European nation to get excited about. The Poles were dumped out of Euro 2024 with the worst record of all 24 teams competing, finishing rock bottom of their group with only a point to show for their troubles. They could be in for a similarly tough time in the Nations League.
While Lewandowski provides the firepower, Poland's tactical approach often emphasizes a solid defensive structure. They rely heavily on their ability to absorb pressure and hit on the break, utilizing the pace of wingers like Kamil Jóźwiak.
However, over-reliance on their skipper can be a double-edged sword, as a lack of creativity from midfield can make them predictable. The best of the supporting cast comes in the form of Serie A duo Nicola Zalewski and Piotr Zieliński, and both will have to be at their very best if the Poles are to take the fight to Portugal and Croatia.
Scotland
Scotland's recent resurgence on the international stage has been marked by a combination of youthful exuberance and experienced leadership. The Tartan Army was the only team to beat European Champions Spain throughout their entire Euro 2024 campaign, with the Scots running out 2-0 victors in a qualifier at Hampden Park through a brace from Scott McTominay. Now, they will be aiming to preserve their status in League A after battling their way through the ranks of League C.
Key to their revival is captain, Andrew Robertson, whose tenacity and attacking prowess from the left-back position provide added dimensions to Scotland’s game. He has been a key man for Liverpool since his move from Hull City in 2017, helping the club reach three UEFA Champions League finals - winning one of them - as well as a first Premier League triumph in three decades in 2020.
Alongside him, players like Kieran Tierney and the aforementioned McTominay contribute to a robust team dynamic, and remaining in League A is their primary concern.
Scotland have managed to qualify for the last two European Championships, despite not featuring in the World Cup since 1998. They will be aiming to use the Nations League as a way to craft a team capable of making it to the global stage in the summer of 2026.
