After months of club action, it’s time for the first international break of 2024. Portugal is set to face Sweden in a friendly match late Thursday night, March 22, at Guimarães’ Estadio Dom Afonso Henriques. Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. will look to continue their winning streak following their impressive ten consecutive victories in the Euro qualifier campaign.

Meanwhile, Sweden seeks redemption after their disappointing failure to qualify for the European Championship for the first time in nearly three decades. As anticipation builds, let’s delve into the expected lineups, injury updates, head-to-head statistics, broadcasting details, and the latest news on skipper Ronaldo’s injury.

Portugal vs Sweden: Preview 

In their most recent match in mid-November, Portugal secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Iceland at home, with goals from Bruno Fernandes and Ricardo Horta. Despite this win and their impressive 10-game winning streak, they slipped from one spot to seventh in the FIFA world rankings. They look to clinch a victory in this one before facing Slovenia next. 

On the other hand, Sweden trailed second-place Austria by 9 points in the qualifications, winning only three of eight matches. As a result, manager Janne Andersson quit after seven years. Danish coach Jon Dahl Tomasson has taken over, quitting his former position at Blackburn Rovers. The new boss will look to surprise Roberto Martino and Co. before returning to Sweden to face Albania.

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Injury updates: Will Cristiano Ronaldo play Portugal vs. Sweden?

Despite being selected on Roberto Martinez’s 32-man roster for this month, Cristiano Ronaldo will not play on Thursday. The skipper is currently on holiday with his family in Saudi Arabia, as the former Belgian coach decided to give Al Nassr an extra rest. Notably, he isn’t alone, as João Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Danilo Pereira, Rúben Neves, Vitinha, Otavio, and Joao Felix will also get an adequate hiatus.

As for Sweden, Jesper Karlstrom has already withdrawn from the squad due to illness. Rest, star players including Alexander Isak, Dejan Kulusevski, and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres are ready to face the 2016 Euro winners.

Portugal vs Sweden: Expected line-ups

Portugal (4-3-3): Costa; Semedo, Dias, Pepe, Guerreiro; Fernandes, Palhinha, J. Neves; Bernardo, Ramos, Leao

Sweden (4-3-3): Olsen; Holm, Hien, Lindelof, Gudmundsson; Cajuste, Larsson, Forsburg; Kulusevski, Gyokeres, Isak

Portugal vs Sweden: Head-to-head

Total matches: 20

Won by Portugal: 7

Won by Sweden: 7

Draw: 6

Although the Blue-Yellow looks to make a fresh start after the Euro’s disappointment, it won’t be against Os Navegadores. We reckon Portugal will win 3-1 against Sweden. 

How to watch Portugal vs. Sweden? TV channels and live-streaming details

In the United States, the match will kick off at 3:45 PM (ET), and fans can catch the action live on Fox Soccer Plus. American fans can also tune in to Fubo, but it is only available on a free trial. Additionally, fans in the UK can catch the action live at 7:45 PM GMT on Viaplay UK. 

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