Portugal ease to victory against resolute Sweden

Portugal secured a somewhat flattering 3-0 victory over Sweden to maintain their place at the top of their Nations League group.

Sweden saw much of the ball, particularly in the second half, but the defensive resilience of an inspired Pepe and an equally impressive Ruben Dias and Danilo Pereira ensured that Portugal were able to secure a third clean sheet in a matter of 8 days, having also kept out two highly illustrious sides in Spain and France across a combined 180 minutes.

Portugal started the match in blistering fashion and were on top early on, with William Carvalho yet again impressing for his country with a string of exquisite passes.

And Portugal only had to wait until the 21st minute to take the lead when Bernardo Silva converted a well-worked goal to break the deadlock. Bruno Fernandes did well to shrug off his man and find Diogo Jota with a delicate through ball. The Liverpool winger played it through to Bernardo, who made no mistake in finishing with an elegant curling effort.

Portugal then doubled their lead just before half time when Diogo Jota got onto the end of a fantastic deep cross into the box from Joao Cancelo and finished in emphatic fashion, taking off some of the pressure which was building as Sweden grew into the game.

And after the break Sweden again impressed, Portugal willing to sit back more frequently and defend their well-earned lead, with the wingers Bernardo Silva and Joao Felix tucking in to defend in a similar manner to what was seen against France and Spain previously.

However, Portugal continued to match their opponents with their defensive prowess, and went on to extend their lead when Pepe won the ball back for Portugal to spring a counter-attack, with William Carvalho playing the ball through to Diogo Jota, who drifted through the opposition defence to make it 3-0 and around off a stunning individual display.

Rui Patricio was called into action more frequently than he was in the previous two matches, but his clean sheet was preserved.

Portugal lead the group on goal difference, with France also sitting on 10 points after 4 games. Portugal will next face France in a massive match in determining who will win the group and advance to the Nations League semi-final.