New Delhi: Portugal is all set to take on Slovenia at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt in the UEFA Euro 2024 knockout at midnight. The 2016 Champions are making their ninth appearance in the Round of 16 while Slovenia are making their first.
Portugal started their campaign with 2-1 and 3-0 wins over Czech Republic and Turkey respectively to win Group F. However, they suffered a shock 2-0 loss at the hands of Georgia in their final group fixture.
On the other hand, Slovenia drew all their three group games to finish third in Group C. They drew 1-1 with Denmark in their campaign opener. In the next match against Serbia Zan Karnicnik gave them the lead in the 69th minute but were denied a win by Luka Jovic’s stoppage time equaliser. Even in their final group game they held Euro 2020 runners-up England to a goalless draw. They made the knockouts as one of the four best third-placed sides.
Martinez and co are still favourites to progress further into what has been dubbed as the tougher half of the draw but the underdogs Slovenia can certainly pose a threat to the Selecao as they are making their debut at the elimination phase of the tournament.
Team News
Portugal’s manager Robert Martinez will have the full squad for the upcoming clash. After heavily rotating his squad last time out he will recall a number of men including Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo and Vitinha. Only Joao Palhinha, goalkeeper Diogo Costa and captain Cristiano Ronaldo were retained against Georgia and all three will surely start again in Frankfurt.
Ronaldo after failing to find nets in the last seven tournament appearances will look to end that drought. After facing suspension from picking up two yellow cards, Rafael Leao will be available to start on the Selecao’s left wing. The players to miss next match if booked includes Ronaldo, Francisco Conceição, João Palhinha, Pedro Neto and Rúben Neves.
Meanwhile, Slovenia will rely on Andraz Sporar and Benjamin Sesko to lead their forward line once again. Atletico Madrid star Jan Oblak will captain the team from the goal post and hope to deliver another surprise to Portugal like Georgia. Janza will not be available as he got booked in the last clash.
Slovenia will be without Bijol, Celar, Stojanović and Vipotnik for the next round if any of them receives another yellow card.
Head-to-Head
Portugal and Slovenia have crossed paths once in a friendly in March earlier this year winning by a 2-0 scoreline. Slovenia are winless in six appearances at the European Championship with one loss whereas the 2016 champions have scored at least two goals in five of their last seven games at the Euros. In the previous edition Portugal got eliminated losing 1-0 to Belgium in the quarterfinals. Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 11 goals against Slovenia Jan Oblak in club football.
Predicted lineup
Portugal: Costa; Cancelo, Pepe, Dias, Mendes; Vitinha, Palhinha, Fernandes; B. Silva, Ronaldo, Leao
Slovenia: Oblak; Karnicnik, Drkusic, Bijol, Balkovec; Stojanovic, Elsnik, Gnezda Cerin, Mlakar; Sporar, Sesko
When, where and how to watch the Portugal vs Slovenia match in India?
The Portugal vs Slovenia 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.
For Live Blog: Follow all the action with News9Live dedicated match blog!
Will Slovenia be able to defy the odds and stun Portugal in the UEFA Euro 2024 knockout stage? Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
