Portugal will look to bounce back after suffering an unexpected 2-0 defeat at the hands of Georgia in their opening Group Stage match, when they take on Slovenia on Monday evening at Frankfurt Stadium.
Matjaz Kek could make one change for Portugal’s visit, with Alanyaspor left-back Jure Balkovec replacing Erik Janza (suspension).
Portugal
Portugal will look to avoid their second defeat of Euro 2024 when they meet Slovenia at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt on Monday. Portugal have been impressive during both of their group stage games, although last time out’s 2-2 draw with Georgia raised some questions about their form. As 2016 UEFA Euro winners they may make changes for this knockout round clash; it will be interesting to see how they respond against an underdog nation like Slovenia.
Ronaldo and co. currently trail Croatia by one point in the standings, making this game crucial to their title defense. But they should take note that Slovenia are an unpredictable side that have proven they can hang with any team in this tournament.
Notably, some players from their last match against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Georgia will likely receive rest for this tie; however, Joao Cancelo, Diogo Costa, and Vitinha should still start.
Cristiano Ronaldo hopes to become the first player ever to score six goals at Euro 2024 while breaking his three-match goal drought for Real Madrid. Roberto Martinez may choose Goncalo Ramos over him if Ronaldo fails to deliver on either front.
Roberto Martinez
Roberto Martinez has assembled an extremely powerful Portuguese national team under his management, featuring players from some of Europe’s premier clubs. They won the inaugural Nations League, and will aim to capture it again this year. Cristiano Ronaldo remains a key component, joined by Joao Felix, Nelson Semedo, Diogo Dalot and Joao Cancelo among others – plus young talent Geovany Quenda and Renato Veiga as newcomers to join Cristiano’s position on the squad.
Coach Twell also brought back veteran defender Pepe, 39-year-old veteran who has played at six European Championships before now returning. Joining Pepe will be other talented players such as Joao Felix and Bruno Fernandes – each looking to add another tournament under their belts.
Portugal experienced an unexpected turnaround during their qualification campaign, winning four out of their remaining five matches to finish second in Group D behind Germany and advance to Euro 2012 playoffs, where they defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-1 over two matches to achieve their first ever knockout berth at any major tournament.
Following this tournament, many members of Geraca de Ouro (Golden Generation) left international football to focus on club careers; Luis Figo, Paulo Ferreira and Simao all retired while Tiago also stepped down – leaving only Ronaldo remaining as part of his original squad; winning Golden Boot honors and earning selection to UEFA All-Stars was his only accolade despite many others leaving national duty to pursue successful careers abroad – including Fernando Torres and Ricardo Carvalho who left their positions when their clubs had opportunities ceased with national sides.
Slovenia
Portugal will aim to put their stuttering opening day performance behind them and face France in the quarter-finals with confidence thanks to an experienced squad such as Pepe, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix and Bernardo Silva.
FIFA ranks Slovenia 57th globally and they will be considered outsiders for this group stage match against Portugal, but they still stand an excellent chance at avoiding group-stage elimination with a victory. Matjaz Kek’s men earned a draw against Denmark before Erik Janza equalized late on.
Slovenia can seize their chance at leading Group C of Euro 2024 and reaching the knockout rounds for the first time since 2000 with a victory. They would still require other results to go their way, but finishing in either of the top two places should secure qualification for third-place play-offs.
Oblak will likely lead the team out in a 4-4-2 formation, and will be joined in defence by Karnicnik, Drkusic and Bijol from RB Leipzig midfielders Jasmin Kurtic and Nemanja Gudelj as well as Jasmin Stojanovic’s twin son Petar Stojanovic for cover. Striker Benjamin Sesko will look to add to his impressive tally for Leipzig.
If you live outside the US but wish to watch the match, using a VPN can help get around geo-restrictions and gain access to streaming services like ViX. Otherwise, check in with local broadcasters or watch Fubo for live coverage of the event.
Lukasz Oblak
Portugal are clearly superior to Slovenia and should make quick work of moving through to the next round. But 2016 UEFA Euro champions must remain wary of Georgia’s determined defense in their final group game, so complacency isn’t something they can afford; on top of which they were humbled in an exhibition match against Slovenia back in March!
Fabio Coentrao will return for Portugal to provide much-needed cover at right back for Rui Patricio as he recovers from an ankle injury sustained against Croatia in their opening match. Coentrao could join in the attack in the second half, providing much-needed attacking impetus that was missing before.
Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek will be without injured defenders Jaka Bijol, Zan Celar and Petar Stojanovic but can count on Jan Oblak and Jure Balkovec – with latter replacing Erik Janza who is serving a yellow card suspension – as cover players.
With two games left to go, Slovenia have an excellent chance of taking at least third place in this tournament. Their defensive discipline and physicality will put Portugal under considerable pressure; only Germany conceded fewer goals during their group stage campaign than Slovenia did. Although their possession averaged less than 40% overall during this tournament, Slovenia boasted some real stars like goalkeeper Jan Oblak as well as forwards Andraz Sporar and Benjamin Sesko who can push them onward.
Lineups
Portugal are looking to get back on track after suffering an unexpected defeat against Georgia, and will look to do just that against Slovenia in their Euro 2024 round-of-16 clash. Cristiano Ronaldo remains as captain for 2016 champions Portugal despite an underwhelming tournament thus far, including his outrage upon being substituted against minnows Georgia as well as three disappointing performances in front of goal, leading talkSPORT pundit Ally McCoist suggesting he be dropped altogether.
Roberto Martinez made numerous alterations for Georgia but looks likely to stick with most of his star-studded squad for this decisive encounter. Vitinha could play central midfield while Joao Palhinha will protect the right flank and Bernardo Silva could create chances from his number ten position.
Experienced coach Matjaz Kek is expected to employ a straightforward 4-4-2 formation. Often using former Borussia Dortmund players Timi Max Elsnik and Adam Gnezda Cerin in midfield positions.
Furthermore, Slovenia has shown itself to have an effective defence and teamwork thus far in this tournament. Unfortunately for them however, underdogs sometimes sacrifice possession in favour of pressing opponents, which might present problems against Portugal’s Selecao squad.
Slovenia are one of the underdogs in this competition and will aim to surprise Portugal. Portugal are better equipped than Slovenia and should make the quarter-finals despite losing against Georgia – their roster boasts high-caliber players that should easily dominate Slovenia’s roster of elite talent. It will be fascinating to watch how they react after being overpowered by such an experienced Portugal side.
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