Portugal return to Euro 2024 action on Monday evening when they face Slovenia in the last 16 in Frankfurt.
Having lost 2-0 to Georgia in their final group game, albeit with a much-rotated team, Portugal can ill-afford complacency as they kick off their knockout stage campaign. The Euro 2016 champions haven’t been entirely convincing in Germany so far, but are one of only five sides that won two of their group stage games.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been at the centre of things for Portugal, but not in the way he would have liked. The 39-year-old’s tantrum after his substitution against Georgia, along with three frustrating displays while leading the line, means that Roberto Martinez has a big decision to make over the Al Nassr striker’s place in the team.
Slovenia are appearing at their first Euros since 2000 and have upset the odds to reach the knockout stages. Despite failing to win any of their group games, three draws proved enough to secure them a spot in the last 16 as one of the four best performing third-placed sides. They will be significant underdogs against Portugal, though.
Here’s 90min’s preview of Portugal’s round of 16 clash against Slovenia at Euro 2024.
Portugal vs Slovenia H2H Record (All-time)
Current form (all competitions)
|
Portugal |
Slovenia |
|---|---|
|
Georgia 2-0 Portugal – 26/06/24 |
England 0-0 Slovenia – 25/06/24 |
|
Turkey 0-3 Portugal – 22/06/24 |
Slovenia 1-1 Serbia – 20/06/24 |
|
Portugal 2-1 Czechia – 18/06/24 |
Slovenia 1-1 Denmark – 16/06/24 |
|
Portugal 3-0 Ireland – 11/06/24 |
Slovenia 1-1 Bulgaria – 08/06/24 |
|
Portugal 1-2 Croatia – 08/06/24 |
Slovenia 2-1 Armenia – 04/06/24 |
|
Country |
TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website |
|
United States |
fuboTV, Sling, Foxsports.com, ViX, FOX Sports App, FOX Network |
|
Canada |
VIVA, TVA+, TSN3, TSN4, TVA Sports, TLN |
Ronaldo‘s poor performances have come under scrutiny but it seems unlikely that Martinez will risk dropping international football’s record goalscorer.
The Portugal boss did make plenty of changes against Georgia though. They didn’t pay off and he will likely field a similar lineup on Monday to the one seen in their two opening Group F games.
Portugal don’t have any injuries or suspensions to concern themselves with, but they do welcome Rafael Leao back after he missed out on the Georgia meeting having accumulated two yellow cards – both for diving.
Portugal predicted lineup vs Slovenia (4-2-3-1): Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Pepe, Mendes; Vitinha, Palhinha; B. Silva, Fernandes, Leao; Ronaldo.
Slovenia have just the one absentee for the last 16, with full-back Erik Janza suspended after picking up a second yellow of the competition against England last time out. Jure Balkovec is likely to come in to the defence.
Slovenia have scored just twice at Euro 2024 so far, both goals coming from defenders. It’s time for the highly-rated Benjamin Sesko to step up, with his impact at the tournament limited to date.
Slovenia predicted lineup vs Portugal (4-4-2): Oblak; Karnicnik, Drkusic, Bijol, Balkovec; Stojanovic, Cerin, Elsnik, Mlakar; Sporar, Sesko.
Portugal know all too well what Slovenia can offer. Their only meeting came back in March, with Slovenia running out 2-0 winners in an impressive display. It may have only been a friendly encounter, but it serves as a warning sign.
However, Portugal should book their spot in the last eight regardless of their recent loss to Slovenia. A squad full to the brim with some of the world’s elite players will surely be able to negotiate a stubborn but ultimately inferior Slovenia side.
It may not be as convincing as the FIFA rankings would have you believe, but Portugal should reach the quarter-final.
Prediction: Portugal 1-0 Slovenia
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