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Sweden vs. Portugal 9/8/20 UEFA Nations League Soccer Pick, Odds, and Prediction

Sweden vs. Portugal 9/8/20 UEFA Nations League Soccer Pick, Odds, and Prediction
2020-09-08 14:45:00 EDT

Sweden is welcoming Portugal to Friends Arena in round 2 in the UEFA Nations League.

Sweden was fantastic in the Euro Cup qualifications, and they have successfully qualified for the Euro Cup next year. Sweden will play in Group E with Spain and Poland, while the fourth team still has to qualify. In their first game in the Nations League against France, Sweden was solid with 50% of ball possession, 2 shots on goal, 5 corner kicks, 0 big chances created, and 84% of the correct passes. After losing 0-1 at the half time, Sweden was the better team in the second half, but they were not able to score a goal, and in the end, Sweden has lost this match 0-1. There are a few great players like Isak, Kulusevski, Guidetti, Berg, and Forsberg playing for Sweden, but more importantly, Sweden is an excellent team, and the players come out on the field and give it they’re all in every single game. Sweden has only 2 losses in their last 14 games, and they were in great form before the pandemic. Sweden still has a few issues in the attacking end, but there is plenty of time to iron those out before the Euro Cup next year.

Portugal has been playing great, and I would even dare to say that they are playing better without Ronaldo in the lineup. Portugal will be playing in Group F in the Euro Cup next year with France and Germany, while the fourth team is yet to be determined. In their match against Croatia at home a few days ago, Portugal was absolutely brilliant with 57% of ball possession, 11 shots on goal, 8 corner kicks, 3 big chances created, and high 89% of the correct passes. Portugal got ahead just before half time, in the 41st minute. With 3 more goals in the second half, Portugal has won this match 4-1. Concelo, Jota, Felix, and Andre Silva have each scored 1 goal for Portugal, while Fernandes, Guerreiro, Bernardo Silva, and Pepe all have 1 assist for Portugal. Portugal has won the previous Euro Cup, and they are certainly capable of defending that title if they continue playing this well. Ronaldo will most likely be in the lineup for this match, and he is a fantastic player, one of the best in history, but I like Portugal better without him because other players have more freedom and not every play is going to one player. Portugal is not the main favorite in the Euro Cup, but they just might be the dark horse of the tournament.

The trends are mixed in this matchup, but Sweden lacks offense, while Portugal is firing on all cylinders. Sweden was good against France at home, but I don’t think they can stop Portugal and their fantastic offense. I will stick with Portugal on the road who will look to continue their winning streak.

Goran Kucar's Free Pick: Portugal -138

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Goran Kucar

I was born and raised in Croatia, and with that, I was raised with soccer all around me. I love playing soccer, watching soccer, and now I love writing and handicapping soccer at PickDawgz and SportsChatPlace.

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