Poland vs. Belgium highlights – UEFA Nations League I FOX Soccer
Poland scored the first goal against Belgium, with Robert Lewandowski’s clinical finish in the the 28th minute. However, Belgium turned the momentum of the game with Axel Witsel’s equalizer in the 42nd minute. In the second half, Belgium continue to apply the pressure, thanks to goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Leandro Trossard, Leander Dendoncker, and Loïs Openda in the 59th, 73rd, 80th, 83rd, and 90th minutes.
Both teams beat Switzerland and played to a draw with Spain to open the Nations League tournament.
Portugal has star power in forward Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time winner of the Ballon d’Or (2008, ‘13, ’14, ‘16, ’17) and the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year.
Portugal leads the all-time series 2-1, with no draws.
The teams last played in the 2012 UEFA European Championship quarterfinals, a 1-0 win for Portugal on June 21.
Portugal is 3-0-1 in its past four matches, outscoring opponents 10-2.
Czech Republic is 1-1-2 in its past four matches.
As Czechoslovakia, Czech Republic took second in the 1962 World Cup and were winners of the 1976 UEFA European Championship.
FOX Sports soccer writer Doug McIntyre and FOX Bet sports trader Olegs Nikolajevs both like betting options that don’t pick a winner.
Spain is coming off a convincing 4-0 win over Switzerland.
“As hard as it is to see the Czechs stealing points away from home against the in-from Portuguese, it’s possible against an inconsistent side that might be more tired than most in its third match this week,” McIntyre said. “After all, Ronaldo is 37 now, and starting center back Pepe is 39. It might be a long shot, but at +300, a draw also isn’t a bad bet.”
Nikolajevs said Jan Kuchta playing the main striker has paid off for the Czech Republic. The Lokomotiv Moscow player has scored a goal in each of the two Nations League matches, accounting for half of Czech Republic’s goals.
“The game itself promises to be attractive,” Nikolajevs said. “Portugal looks like a favorite, but we should not take Czech Republic out from the action. This is a completely different team than the one that fought for a ticket to the upcoming World Cup.”