Portugal-Czech Republic is a match on the first day of the group stage of Euro 2024 and is played Tuesday at 9 p.m.: statistics, likely lineups, predictions, live TV and streaming.
It’s Cristiano Ronaldo’s ambitious Portugal’s turn to bring the curtain down on the first day of the group stage of Euro ’24. The Lusitanians, perhaps even more so than in the last major international fixtures, can count on a squad that unleashes talent in all departments and has probably never been more complete.
The experience they have accumulated since 2016, that is, since they became European champions by winning the French European Championship for the first time in their history, could be a not insignificant factor in such a short tournament.
And that is why according to the leading bookmakers the selection led by Roberto Martinez is rightfully among the favorites for the final victory, despite having something less than England and France or the hosts Germany. The cover man is always the legendary CR7, who at almost 40 years old doesn’t want to know about hanging up his cleats and continues to put new records in his sights. In the last friendly against Ireland (3-0) he scored a brace, confirming himself as the undisputed dragoon of this representative side. Also positive, overall, was the impact of Martinez, who was criticized after his unexciting experience as Belgium selector.
His Portugal landed in Germany by overcoming a not particularly challenging group but finishing with full points and scoring a beauty of 36 goals in total.
In Group F the Lusitanians have, on paper, no rivals up to the task. In the match in Leipzig they will try from the start to address the qualification against the Czech Republic, the most treacherous national teams in the grouping along with Turkey. The men of Ivan Hasek – a more pragmatic technician than their predecessor Silhavy – surprised everyone three years ago by making it to the quarterfinals, dragged by Patrick Schick’s goals (5 goals just like Ronaldo), but then failed to qualify for the Qatari World Cup. After finishing second in the qualifiers behind Albania, the Czechs won all four friendlies played in 2024, successes achieved, however, against uncompetitive teams (Armenia, North Macedonia, Malta), except Norway.
The latest lineup news
Martinez has everyone available for the debut with the Czech Republic. In defense, in addition to Ruben Dias, he will rely on veteran Pepe (at his last European Championship) and outfielders Cancelo and Nuno Mendes. A three-man midfield formed by Palhinha, Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes; in attack, on the other hand, alongside the irreplaceable Ronaldo – back at the center of the project after the arrival of Martinez – will act Bernardo Silva and Leao.
In the 3-5-2 drawn by Czech coach Hasek there will be no captain Sadilek, who got injured a few days ago and will not be able to take part in the European Championship. In attack it will be up to Hlozek, Bayer Leverkusen’s center forward, to play in tandem with Schick: only bench instead for Kuchta. In midfield, space for the purple Barak and the experience of Coufal and Soucek, who both play for West Ham, will also be crucial.
The prediction
Fourth head-to-head between Portugal and the Czech Republic in a European Championship final. The Czechs prevailed in 1996, while in the two most recent precedents (2008 and 2012) the Lusitanians prevailed. There does not seem to be enough elements to assume a surprise: Martinez’s team in the qualifiers has been flawless and wants to start on the right foot. In the tests played in the new year, however, it appeared less solid, conceding a few too many goals: it cannot be ruled out that the Czech Republic will score at least one.
Share comparison
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The likely lineups for Portugal-Czech Republic
PORTOGAL (4-3-3): Diogo Costa; Cancelo, Pepe, Rúben Dias, Nuno Mendes; Palhinha, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes; Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Leão.
REPUBLIC (3-5-2): Staněk; Holeš, Hranáč, Krejčí; Coufal, Souček, Cerv, Barák, D. Jurásek; Hlozek, Schick.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1
