When they beat Iceland 2-0 at the José Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon on November 19, 2023, Portugal finished their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a perfect record. With 30 points, eight more than second-placed Slovakia, Portugal won Group J and wrapped up first place.
Bruno Fernandes scored the first goal of the game with a low shot from the edge of the box that went in just right in the 37th minute. In the 66th minute, Ricardo Horta scored a tap-in from close range to make it 2-0.
Portugal was in charge of the game the whole time, with 22 shots on goal and 78% of the ball. Iceland only got two shots on target.
It was Portugal’s 10th win in as many qualification games, and it was a great way to end their season. Portugal is now going to Germany for the finals of Euro 2024. They have high dreams of going all the way to the end of the tournament.
Portugal’s Outstanding Play
From the start, Portugal had the upper hand in the game. They had no trouble moving the ball around and had many chances to score. Fernandes’ goal in the first half gave them the lead they earned, and Horta’s goal in the second half sealed the win.
The striking trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, and João Félix from Portugal were always a threat to Iceland’s defense. It was especially amazing that Ronaldo created a lot of chances and set up Horta’s goal.
3: Iceland’s Lethargic Show
Iceland was beaten from the very beginning to the very end. They couldn’t get into the game and didn’t pose much of a threat to the Portugal goal. In the second half, Gylfi Sigurðsson missed a penalty, which was their only real chance of the game.
Iceland’s play was very different from how well they did at the 2016 European Championship, where they made it to the semifinals. If they want to make it to the Euro 2024 finals, they will have to get a lot better.
Bottom Line
Portugal’s win over Iceland was a proper way to end their perfect qualifying run. During the group stage, they were the best team, and they will be one of the favorites to win Euro 2024. However, Iceland will be unhappy with how they did and will need to do better if they want to make it to the finals.
