Portugal and Slovenia enter extra time as Ronaldo’s free kick is parried away by Oblak! A thrilling tie continues.
Slovenia have been impressive so far under CR7 but their upset loss to Georgia shows how unpredictable Euro 2024 can be. Slovenia are eager to press their opponents hard and aggressively pursue victory. In this article, we will discuss the main points of Portugal National Football Team vs Slovenia National Football Team Lineups.
Portugal National Football Team
Portugal are considered heavy favourites to beat Slovenia in Frankfurt on Monday night and secure their quarter-final berth. Roberto Martinez made multiple changes against Georgia but will likely revert back to his preferred starting lineup for this match, likely including fullback Nuno Mendes and Joao Cancelo while Joao Neves and Danilo Pereira will likely come off the bench.
Right-back Bruno Fernandes will start as one of Portugal’s primary creators in midfield and one of their likely goalscorers in this tournament. Porto man, Bruno has created more chances than anyone else in this competition and could add another goal or two for Portugal against Slovenia whose defence has struggled to hold onto possession thus far. Manchester City winger Bernardo Silva may also find space behind their defence which may make things difficult for them in terms of keeping possession – who knows? Maybe one or both might even break through.
CM: Andraz Sporar and Benjamin Sesko – So far at Euro 2024, Andraz Sporar and Benjamin Sesko’s striker pairing have been dissatisfying; failing to convert any 12 shot conversion rate and fail to create any high intensity pressure situations.
CB: Pepe – At 41, Pepe has been an outstanding leader of Portugal’s defensive unit. His read of the game ranks amongst the highest of any player at this tournament and they will depend on him to maintain possession and prevent Slovenia from scoring any clear-cut chances.
Gigi Dzeko of Roma will look to add assists and goals to his tally in this tournament, though his form since moving from Manchester United may have left something to be desired. For Roma to make progress into the last eight, Dzeko must find consistency as an attacking midfielder in Germany.
Euro 2024 last-16 clash will take place at Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt and will start at 8pm UK time on Monday. talkSPORT will provide live coverage with Hugh Woozencroft, Joe Shennan and Chris Iwelumo taking their turn bringing live coverage across platforms including app, online radio DAB digital radio smart speakers or radio receivers.
Slovenia National Football Team
Portugal will look to put behind them their disappointing loss against long-shot outsider Georgia when they meet Slovenia in Frankfurt. Manager Roberto Martinez made several adjustments prior to that loss, and many of those players may return here as starters.
Rui Patricio should start in goal again after conceding just one goal during the group stage. He will be supported by Pepe and Joao Cancelo in central defense while Diogo Dalot could start on the right flank again. Bruno Fernandes could maintain his role as number ten creating chances for himself and his teammates; Manchester City midfielder Javi Garcia could pose a key threat for Slovenia, who must keep him under control to be competitive.
Portugal last played Slovenia in March and won by two 2-0 victories, so they will likely feel confident of repeating that success here. Portugal boasts an experienced squad with world-class talent that should help them overcome an underdog like Slovenia.
Slovenia are one of the lower-ranked teams at this tournament, sitting 59th out of 100 countries, but have shown steady improvement since 1992 when they became independent nation. Since then they have qualified for three major tournaments: Euro 2000 and 2010 World Cup.
Though they were defeated by Denmark in their opening match, Slovenia remain undefeated at this tournament with an outstanding goal differential in their group stage group stage group stage group stage group stage group stage group stage group stage group stage group stage group stage group stage group stage group stage group stage group stage group stage. They stand a good chance of making it to the quarter finals where they could face either England or Germany in their next matchup.
Experienced coach Matjaz Kek is expected to deploy a straightforward 4-4-2 formation here. Timi Max Elsnik and Adam Gnezda Cerin should provide plenty of midfield menace against Portugal, who boast one of Europe’s strongest defences. One change may see Jure Balkovec replace Erik Janza at left back; Alanyaspor defender Balkovec can also play central defence if necessary.
Key Players of Portugal National Football Team vs Slovenia National Football Team
Portugal will look to rebound after suffering an unexpected defeat against Georgia with a win against Slovenia on Monday. Although Portugal won Group F, their journey was tougher than anticipated as they needed a 92nd-minute winner against Czechia before succumbing 2-0 against Turkey’s dangerous team in their final matchup. Cristiano Ronaldo leads a talented squad capable of reaching further in this tournament.
Manager Roberto Martinez made changes in their lineup against Georgia, resting several key players as part of his plan, but they will return at full strength against Slovenia at Frankfurt’s Deutsche Bank Park stadium. Rui Patricio will start between the sticks while Ruben Dias and Danilo Pereira could fill center-back positions; Nuno Mendes and Diogo Dalot will provide backup.
Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Diogo Dalot should return to Manchester United’s starting XI. Andre Goncalves may replace Benfica’s Ricardo Horta as defensive midfielder while Manchester City’s Matheus Nunes could feature from the bench.
Cristiano Ronaldo will be eager to find the back of the net after missing in Georgia 2-0 loss; currently sixth highest goalscorer at European Championship and only four short of reaching 900 international caps!
Forward positions include Igo Jota and Andre Silva; with Andre likely being left on the bench due to Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence. Dani Carvajal of Real Madrid will also hope to add to his goal tally and will likely hope for one as well.
Timeline of Portugal National Football Team vs Slovenia National Football Team
Portugal will look to rebound after suffering their first loss on penalties against Georgia by defeating Slovenia 3-2. Portugal currently rank fifth on odds to win Euro 2024 and will need an excellent performance from their star players if they hope to advance beyond the quarterfinals and into the semifinals.
Roberto Martinez restrained several of Portugal’s first-choice players for its surprise group-stage defeat, yet will restore key men such as Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva into his starting XI against unbeaten Slovenia for their last-16 clash. Joao Cancelo, Danilo Pereira and Ruben Neves may drop down to the bench instead.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal drought at major tournaments is the primary source of concern for Brazil. The Real Madrid forward has not scored in his last seven Euro and World Cup matches, including missing a penalty against Ghana at Qatar 2022. If this runs its course for another game without scoring then it could mark his longest such run ever – Paris Saint-Germain forward Goncalo Ramos could replace Ronaldo as their goal scorer.
Portugal have shown great defensive prowess but their attacking play has often been slow. Their 2016 World Cup victory has been put under question, so they need to put forth maximum effort against Slovenia in Frankfurt.
Slovenian defenders should not be intimidated by Portugal, but instead look to limit Portugal’s chances and make this match low-scoring. Furthermore, Slovenia will hope to avoid another costly mistake like what happened against England.
Slovenia does not face significant injuries to contend with; however, striker Benjamin Sesko may not play due to quadriceps muscle trouble and Jure Balkovec may fill Erik Janza’s place at full-back; Bojan Matic suffered shoulder ligament damage during group stage draw with England and won’t feature again this tournament; watch live coverage via FOX Sports in the US or Fubo in the UK (subscribers can sign up for free seven-day trials of both streaming services here), with radio coverage provided by SiriusXM FC radio channel 217 or SiriusXM FC radio channels 2. Match will take place at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt.
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