Football: Portugal in need of points
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Portugal go into today's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine knowing that anything but a win could jeopardise their chances of reaching the 1998 finals in France. "We must win or things are going to get very complicated," their coach, Artur Jorge, said.
After impressing in Euro 96 last summer, the talented but inconsistent Portuguese have just one victory in three games in their campaign to reach the finals for only the third time. With Germany also in Group Nine, the Portuguese need maximum points against the Ukrainians after losing 2-1 in Kiev last month.
Ukraine, who head the group with a maximum six points from two games, will be boosted by the return of midfielder Hennady Orbu, whose Russian club Rotor Volgograd had refused to release him for the home game. "It is going to be difficult. From now on, there are no easy games but we are optimistic and convinced that we can put on a good display," Jorge said.
Like Ukraine, Yugoslavia also have a 100 per-cent record. They face the Czech Republic in Belgrade's Red Star stadium tomorrow looking to make it four wins out of four in Group Six. They have scored 17 goals and conceded just two, but will be without the injured Milan playmaker, Dejan Savicevic, tomorrow.
The Norwegian coach, Egil Olsen, has opted for a 4-5-1 formation against Switzerland in Berne today, which means that Manchester United's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Southampton's Egil Ostenstadt are competing for one place in attack - along with the three other strikers in the squad.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments