Portugal-Slovenia, a grumpy opponent for Roberto Martinez’s selection: everyone’s contribution will be needed to unhinge the Slovenian defense.
Portugal had not lost in official matches since their defeat to Morocco in the World Cup ’22 quarterfinals. The long positive streak came to an end in the last match of the group stage of Euro 2024, in the match – completely irrelevant for the Lusitanians, who were already certain of qualification and first place with one round in advance – against Georgia, a classic match in which the higher motivation made the difference.
Even so, there was no shortage of criticism of head coach Roberto Martinez, “guilty” of making too much turnover. The experiments did not pay off and the second lines proved to be not up to the standard of the starters. The enthusiasm generated by the two victories with the Czech Republic and Turkey, in short, has dimmed somewhat. And in the round of 16 it’s Slovenia’s turn to measure the ambitions of Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates, who in the event of a quarterfinal berth would face one of France or Belgium. By contrast, Matjaz Kek’s selection needed only three draws to make it back into the top four thirds and clinch a historic qualification to the knockout stage. The very solid and tactically organized Slovenia, in addition to Denmark and Serbia – with both of which they drew 1-1 – last Tuesday also stopped England, one of the big favorites for the final victory, while also keeping their goal unbeaten (0-0).
Portugal-Slovenia, CR7 is still out of goals
Cristiano Ronaldo, the most prolific player by far in European Championship history, has yet to score his first goal at Euro 2024. He came very close in the rounds against Turkey but, surprisingly, on one-on-one with the goalkeeper he preferred to serve his teammate, Bruno Fernandes, in one of his rare excesses of selflessness.
The game with Slovenia could be the right opportunity to get unstuck and thus join the “party.” Besides his experience – as well as hunger for goals – Martinez will also need the quality of players like Bruno Fernandes or Joao Felix to unhinge the Slovenian defense. Among the potential marksmen in Portugal we choose the two of them, although the biggest dangers for Kek’s representative could also come from the flanks, where Cancelo is likely to be a factor offensively as well. Slovenia is unlikely to be able to create many chances, but those few times they come close to the goal defended by Diogo Costa to attempt at least two shots will fall to starlet Sesko, the most talented player among those Kek has at his disposal. There are two, according to the Seer, Slovenians who risk a yellow card. We are talking about fullback Karnicnik and midfielder Gnezda Cerin. In Portugal, however, watch out for Palhinha in terms of cautions.
Share comparison
Ronaldo scorer Plus is listed at 1.78 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and 2.00 on Snai. Karnicnik cautioned Plus on the other hand is quoted at 4.40 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and 4.50 on Snai.
