Portugal-Czech Republic, the first day of the group stage concludes with the challenge featuring CR7’s selection.
Few teams in this European Championship can boast the same level of quality as this Portugal, scattered a bit in all departments. No wonder, then, that the selection led by Spanish coach Roberto Martinez is considered among the possible favorites to win the title right after France and England.
In Germany, by the way, the Lusitanians arrive there with a not inconsiderable dose of enthusiasm. Cristiano Ronaldo, who even ended up on the bench in the last phase of the Santos management, has become central again with the former Belgium coach and wants to give himself one last (?) catwalk in such a competitive tournament, proving that he is still one of the best. Of course, Portugal is not just him. Martinez can count on the likes of Ruben Dias, Cancelo, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix, Bernardo Silva, and Leao, who were major players in a qualifying round dominated far and wide. The opponents were hardly superpowers – the strongest was Slovakia – but Portugal still finished with a full score, scoring 36 goals. It will be important to start on the right foot at the European Championship as well, setting the record straight from the start. The opener is with the Czech Republic, a national team that has changed its skin since the last European Championship, when it surprisingly went all the way to the quarterfinals. Coach Hasek relies on veterans like Schick, Soucek, Barak and Coufal but also on the “blocks” of the two Prague teams, Sparta and Slavia.
Portugal-Czech Republic, Ronaldo wants to make his mark right away
About Portugal’s possible scorers, we are spoiled for choice but we prefer to play it safe. Ronaldo appeared in splendid form in the last friendly with Ireland, netting a brace. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner will most likely manage to pad the net against the Czech Republic as well.
Although playing the role of halfback with his own national team, Bruno Fernandes is expected to register at least 3 total shots: the Manchester United captain is also very dangerous on set pieces. Another one who will not skimp on sorties in the opponent’s box is Vitinha, back from an excellent season at PSG, and the same goes for Cancelo, a real problem on the right lane for the Czech Republic: the former Juventus and Inter, now in Spain at Barcelona, will get to finish on at least one occasion. Among the Czechs, the point of reference is always Schick, ready to hurt on the counterattack, but Soucek, with his experience, will also have his say. Three, finally, risk yellow: in addition to the very foul Pepe, watch out for Holes and especially Krejci, who was sent off three times last season.
Share comparison
Ronaldo scorer Plus is listed at 1.90 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and 2.10 on Snai. Krejci cautioned Plus on the other hand is quoted at 3.45 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and 3.50 on Snai.