Portugal will be looking for their seventh successive victory in all competitions when they do battle with the United States on Tuesday.
After losing 2-0 to Switzerland in their opening World Cup qualification fixture back in September 2016, Portugal held their nerve to win each of their next nine matches and finish in first place in Group B; that ensured an automatic passage to the tournament in Russia, with the Swiss - who were beaten 2-0 by the reigning European champions last month - consigned to a two-legged play-off with Northern Ireland. Portugal look to be in good shape as a relatively young squad continues to get more experience under its belt, with Andre Silva, Bernardo Silva, Goncalo Guedes and Kevin Rodrigues among those who started Friday's friendly success against Saudi Arabia, who were overcome by three goals to nil.
The United States were stunned in Concacaf qualifying, as a shock loss to last-placed Trinidad and Tobago on the final matchday condemned them to fifth spot in the standings and thus brought to an end to the country’s run of participating in every World Cup stretching back to 1990. Bruce Arena left his post as national team manager following the United States’ failure to make it to Russia, with the current international break marking the start of a new era as the Americans begin to turn their attention to Qatar and 2022.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been given time off by Portugal, who chose not to call him up for the latest round of friendlies. Fernando Santos will likely stick with his preferred 4-3-3 formation, with Bruma, Nelson Semedo, Ruben Neves, Gelson Martins and Rony Lopes pushing for a start after beginning the triumph over Saudi Arabia on the substitutes’ bench.
The United States have left a host of familiar names out of their squad, including Michael Bradley, Fabian Johnson, Brad Guzan, Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey. Jesse Gonzalez, Josh Sargent, Tyler Adams, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Weston McKennie will hope to receive their first international caps at senior level.
The United States will not expect to beat Portugal on their own patch and will put more stock in the performance than the result. Either way, a comfortable home win looks like the most probable outcome in this one.
