New Delhi: One of the favourites in the Euro 2024, Portugal will open their campaign against the Czech Republic at Leipzig Stadium. Cristiano Ronaldo is set to lead the line for Portugal as the stalwart potentially takes the field for the final Euro edition this year. Following a disappointing performance in 2021, they will be hoping for a better display for this addition.
Portugal are being tipped as the challenger for the trophy alongside France, England and Germany. They have triumphed at Euro 2016 and even reached the semi-finals of the tournament on another three occasions. The Selecao das Quinas were knocked out in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup.
On the other hand, the Czech Republic side has been hugely impressive and they are capable of making this an uncomfortable match for Portugal. Martinez’s side can call upon the greater quality all over the pitch and they are expecting to open their campaign with a win. The Czechs have won the last five out of six matches, finishing one draw and are in good form while Portugal have won four out of six and lost two.
On that note, let’s see how both sides are planning to kick off their campaign.
Team News
Portugal’s head coach has a number of big decisions to make when it comes to the team selection due to the depth of the squad. There will be few big names on the bench but Ronaldo will lead the line and will be aiming to become the oldest player to score in the competition.
Rafael Leao and Bernardo Silva are expected to play alongside Ronaldo in the final third of the field with Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and Joao Palhinha operating in the midfield.
On the contrary, Czech Republic star player Michal Sadilrk will not play as he was forced to pull out of the squad before the start of the tournament due to an injury he suffered while riding a bike. Vladimir Coufal and Tomas Soucek will be in the starting line up while Jan Kutcha is expected to feature in the final third of the field.
Head-to-Head
Portugal and Czechia have got used to meeting at Euro final tournaments; this will be their fourth encounter since 1996. Czechs won the first meetinf 1-0 at Euro 1996 while Portugal prevailed in the other two in 3-1 in 2008 and 1-0 in 2012. Tonight’s tussle is expected to be won by Robert Martinez’s side given that Portugal have won the last four meetings and kept a clean sheet in the last three.
Ronaldo has scored against Czech at Euros 2008 and 2012 and will make another piece of history if he takes to the field in Leipzig – as the first player to feature at six Euros. Ivan Hasek’s side plays attacking football and will try to put in a performance for the ages. Czech forward Patrik Schick has also finished as the joint-leading scorer at Euro 2020 alongside Ronaldo with five goals.
Predicted lineups
Portugal: Diogo Costa; João Cancelo, Pepe, Rúben Dias, Nuno Mendes; João Palhinha, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes; Rafael Leão, Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva
Czech Republic: Staněk; Holeš, Hranáč, Krejčí; Coufal, Souček, Provod, Barák, David Jurásek; Kuchta, Schick
When, where and how to watch the Portugal vs Czech Republic match in India?
The Portugal vs Czech Republic UEFA Euro 2024 match will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network in India. Live streaming of Euro 2024 will be available on SonyLIV app and website. The action begins at 12:30 am IST tonight.
Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, begin their Euro 2024 campaign against Czech Republic. Preview this clash including team news, head-to-head record, predicted line-ups, and broadcast info for viewers in India. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
