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Portugal will meet Slovenia at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt in the UEFA Euro 2024 Round of 16 on Monday (July 1). The 2016 champions are making their ninth appearance in the knockouts while Slovenia are making their first.
Portugal had a winning start to their campaign, with 2-1 and 3-0 wins over the Czech Republic and Turkey respectively to win Group F. However, they suffered a shock 2-0 loss to Georgia in their final group game.
Slovenia, meanwhile, drew all three group games to finish third in Group C. They made the knockouts as one of the four best third-placed sides.
They drew 1-1 with Denmark in their campaign opener, with Erik Janza equalising in the 77th minute. Fellow defender Zan Karničnik gave them the lead in the 69th minute against Serbia but were denied the win by Luka Jovic's stoppage-time equaliser.
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In their final group game, they held Euro 2020 runners-up England to a goalless draw.
Portugal vs Slovenia Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams have crossed paths once, in a friendly in March earlier this year, with Slovenia winning 2-0 at home.
- Slovenia are winless in six appearances at the European Championships, losing one.
- The 2016 champions have scored at least two goals in five of their last seven games at the Euros.
- Portugal were eliminated in the Round of 16 in the previous edition, losing 1-0 to Belgium, marking the first time they failed to reach the quarterfinals.
- Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 11 goals against Slovenia custodian Jan Oblak in club football.
Portugal vs Slovenia Prediction
Portugal boss Roberto Martínez rested key players like Pepe, Rúben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes for Georgia game, while Rafael Leao was suspended.
He should field a full-strength squad, with no injury concerns. Ronaldo, scoreless in three games is expected to spearhead the attack once again.
Slovenia, meanwhile, went unbeaten in the group stage, with all three games producing under 2.5 goals. They are unbeaten in nine games across competitions, including the 2-0 win over the 2016 champions in March.
Erik Janza, the goalscorer from their campaign opener, is unavailable because of suspension due to yellow card accumulation. Matjaz Kek is likely to start Jure Balkovec in Janza's place.
Considerinf the 2016 champions' experience in the knockouts and advantage in squad quality, Portugal should eke out a narrow win.
Prediction: Portugal 2-1 Slovenia
Portugal vs Slovenia Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Portugal to win
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least one goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: Bruno Fernandes to score or assist any time - Yes
