Armenia kicks off World Cup qualifying with a match against Portugal: what to know about the opponent

On September 6, the Armenian national team will play its first match of the World Cup qualifying campaign in Group F. Their opponent will be the star-studded Portugal — the reigning two-time Nations League winner. The game will take place at Vazgen Sargsyan Stadium, starting at 20:00 Yerevan time.

What form is Portugal in?
With Roberto Martínez in charge, the team has reached a new level. The Spanish coach has managed to combine the experience of veterans with the energy of young players. Cristiano Ronaldo remains the leader, but now the system is designed to maximize his strengths and reduce unnecessary workload.

The main formation is 4-5-1 with narrow wingers. This compact setup allows Portugal to control the midfield and make the most of their talented playmakers. Vitinha, Bernardo Silva, and Bruno Fernandes are the main orchestrators of attacks, responsible for creativity and tempo.

Special attention should be paid to PSG’s João Neves. The young midfielder often takes on an unusual hybrid role, combining the functions of right-back and midfielder, providing ball control and balance on the flanks. On the left, Nuno Mendes plays an active role as the accelerator of attacks.

Before the match against Armenia, Portugal won the Nations League, defeating Spain and Germany.

How is today’s Portugal different from the past?
Encounters between Armenia and Portugal have always been full of goals. But over the past ten years, the Portuguese side has changed significantly. Back in 2015, Portugal mostly relied on Ronaldo’s individual brilliance, with fewer top-level players in the squad. Today, Martínez has a full array of stars at his disposal, and the game is built not only around the captain but also a strong midfield.

Armenian-Portuguese football ties
Armenian and Portuguese football are more closely connected than it may seem. Recently, Armenian winger Artur Serobyan spent half a season on loan at Portuguese club Casa Pia. Clubs like Noah and Ararat-Armenia actively recruit players from Portugal’s second division, and Porto even held talks about signing Eduard Spertsyan.

Probable Portugal lineup:
Diogo Costa — Gonçalo Inácio, Rúben Dias, Nuno Mendes — João Neves, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes — Pedro Neto, Francisco Conceição — Cristiano Ronaldo.