After being humbled by Georgia in Euro 2024 qualifying, Portugal now face Slovenia in Frankfurt Arena for their Round 16 clash of Euro 2024 qualifying. Roberto Martinez rested several players against Georgia but Joao Cancelo, Diogo Costa, and Cristiano Ronaldo will retain their spots – keeping Roberto Martinez’s promise.
Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo hopes to end his goalless streak across both European Championship and World Cup competition, dating back to his strike against Ghana at Qatar 2022.
In this article, we will discuss the main points or top players of Portugal National Football Team Vs Slovenia National Football Team Lineups.
Portugal
| Player | Position | Notable Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Diogo Costa | Goalkeeper | Saved three consecutive penalties in the shootout; crucial one-on-one save in extra time |
| João Cancelo | Right Back | Provided offensive support with incisive runs; created significant chances |
| Rúben Dias | Center Back | Maintained defensive solidity; key interceptions and clearances |
| Nuno Mendes | Left Back | Showed dynamism on the flank; consistent in both defense and attack |
| João Palhinha | Midfielder | Dominated midfield with crucial tackles and interceptions |
| Diogo Jota | Forward | Earned a penalty in extra time with a penetrating run |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | Forward | Overcame a missed penalty in extra time to convert in the shootout |
| Bernardo Silva | Midfielder | Scored the decisive penalty in the shootout to secure victory |
Slovenia
| Player | Position | Notable Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Jan Oblak | Goalkeeper | Made multiple crucial saves, including a penalty stop in extra time |
| Vanja Drkušić | Center Back | Strong defensive performance, effectively marking opponents |
| Jure Balkovec | Left Back | Defensively solid, limiting Portugal’s attacks from the right flank |
| Adam Gnezda Čerin | Midfielder | Worked tirelessly in midfield, disrupting Portugal’s play |
| Benjamin Šeško | Forward | Created Slovenia’s best chance in extra time, denied by Diogo Costa |
Portugal XI vs Slovenia XI
Portugal are back on track after suffering an unexpected 2-0 defeat against Georgia in their final group stage match, looking to rebound in their first knockout match of this tournament. Before this last-gasp loss to Georgia, they had gone unbeaten across international matches; with only three round 16 losses since winning Henri Delaunay trophy back in 2016, now may be their chance.
Manchester City trio Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias will return to the starting eleven, with experienced defender Pepe providing defensive cover alongside Joao Cancelo and Vitoria Guimaraes. Joao Palhinha should feature once more in midfield while Diogo Jota and Rafael Leao may partner up front for another matchup.
Portugal have enough firepower to overcome Slovenia, yet their Central European counterparts will aim to keep things tight. Benjamin Sesko and Adam Gnezda Cerin as midfielders can cause Portugal some difficulty when on the counterattack – all making things more difficult for Portugal than expected.
Matjaz Kek is expected to stick with the same starting eleven that began against England, although Erik Janza will miss due to suspension. Kek typically favors a 4-4-2 formation featuring Gnezda and Elsnik at its heart.
Slovenia have been outstanding defensively so far in this tournament despite losing to Black Eagles in their opener, yet remain solid and organised at the back. Their back four has conceded only one goal across three matches so far, while captain Jan Oblak will be key to keeping Portugal scoreless against Germany – having saved all three penalty shootout attempts from Portugal so far! He could prove decisive here.
Portugal XI vs Georgia
Portugal are out to exact revenge against Slovenia when they meet on Monday in Frankfurt in the Round of 16 at Euro 2024. Cristiano Ronaldo and co are favorites, yet have already been cautioned that nobody is safe at this tournament; 2016 winners Portugal fell victim to Jan Oblak’s surprising team in Group C but now face yet another test from his squad in Round 16 action.
Ronaldo will remain as captain of Brazil despite serious doubts regarding his form at this tournament so far. The Real Madrid star has only taken five shots worth 0.7xG so far and missed one of four Opta-defined big chances against Georgia; therefore he remains in question for quarter-final selection unless his performance significantly improves.
Roberto Martinez made some changes against Georgia, yet it seems unlikely he will risk dropping the world’s most expensive player from his starting 11 – who has started all but two Selecao matches to date and could make 50th appearance at either European Championship or World Cup tournament this summer.
Cristiano will likely be joined in defence by Giorgio Chiellini from Juventus, with Joao Moutinho and Simao Sabrosa tagging along on either flank. Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias should keep their places while Diogo Costa returns after his error lead to Georgia scoring its opening goal.
Both teams met once before in March in a friendly match which saw Slovenia take an emphatic 2-0 win in Ljubljana. That result can give Slovenia a sense of confidence as they enter this tie, but their only other major tournament knockout game result was their 3-1 defeat against England at Euro 2008. Erik Janza is injured so Alanyaspor defender Jure Balkovec may come into centre-back instead for this tie, though otherwise there should be no injuries or suspensions on either team.
Portugal XI vs Belgium
Portugal and Belgium are making great strides in women’s football, and fixtures like this one provide an ideal showcase of their talent. Although both countries are small, they’ve managed to produce several top players over time. Furthermore, competition between these countries promotes healthy growth of women’s football.
Belgium and Portugal will face off in a nail-biting clash at UEFA Women’s Nations League matchup, promising an exciting battle. UK fans can tune into the world feed to stream it live; commentary by veteran commentator Will Downing brings his wealth of knowledge.
Belgium holds a one-to-one advantage against Portugal with one win and one draw in their head-to-head record, having taken their last meeting back in 2021. Although this will be their first competitive international meeting ever, both teams are well acquainted having faced off many times against one another during club matches.
Portugal XI vs France
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal will look to rectify their unexpected Round 16 loss against Georgia by recording another win against Slovenia in Frankfurt on Monday. Cristiano Ronaldo will look to improve on their slow display against Georgia with plenty of firepower at their disposal to beat an opponent that is as tough as Slovenian side.
Roberto Martinez rested several key players during their loss to Group F surprisers but expects them to make a comeback against Slovenia. Penalty hero Diogo Costa should remain between the sticks while Pepe, Joao Cancelo and Ruben Dias should return from their suspensions as should Manchester City duo Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, alongside Vitinha who has completed more line-breaking passes (29) than anyone else at Euro 2024.
Experienced Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek has shown faith in his squad, likely fielding the same eleven that claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory against England in their final group match. One possible change could see Alanyaspor midfielder Jure Balkovec replace Erik Janza at left back due to suspension.
Central European nation Slovenia are competing in their inaugural UEFA Euro knockout stage and hope to take full advantage of their improved possession and goal-scoring stats. Their defence has conceded only two goals over three games thus far while they have also made more high-intensity pressures than any other team at this tournament.
The Selecao boast a vast arsenal of attacking options at their disposal and will look to exploit any gaps that exist. Kylian Mbappe will look to add his first goal since early November but must be patient against Slovenia’s defensive system. Both teams should see opportunity in connecting well between Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe; hopefully both parties are keen to avoid an explosive match at the back.
Sports Team