Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Portugal prediction 16.10.2023

• Competition: EURO 2024 Qualifiers
• Date: Monday, 16th October 2023
• Kickoff: 19:45 UTC +1 / 20:45 CEST
• Venue: Bilino Polje (Zenica)

After failing to secure the World Cup, Bosnia did very well in the UEFA Nations League B. They won the Group with Finland, Montenegro, and Romania and returned to the A league. In these Qualifiers, they are currently 4th with nine points, four away from the 2nd-placed Slovakia. Bosnians will have to look for points because if Slovakia beats Luxembourg in the next game, they could secure EURO (if Bosnia loses). However, by winning the UEFA Nations League B Group, Bosnia will play at least in the playoffs for EURO 2024.

Portugal were solid in the previous World Cup, where they reached the Quarter-Finals and were, objectively, better than Morocco, but still lost 1:0. After the WC, they were excellent in the EURO Qualifiers and won all seven games and already secured the EURO 2024.

Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Portugal pick: Both teams to score

Bosnia and Herzegovina are one of the teams that heavily rely on the home pitch, and lately, they have been very good at home, winning six of seven games. Additionally, their new head coach, Savo Milosevic, is known for his offensive style, and we can expect them to play offensively even vs Portugal. 

Portugal are by far the best team in the group with all seven wins and 27 scored goals - 3.9 per game! So, it is completely real to expect them to score vs Bosnia. On the other hand, Portugal have been excellent defensively in these Qualifiers, up to the last game when they allowed two goals vs Slovakia at home. Now, without a motive in the upcoming game, we think they will play more relaxed and allow at least a goal.  

Portugal are clearly a better team and should score easily here. But since they will most likely rotate the squad and Bosnia plays very well at home, we think the Bosnians will manage to score, too.