After a mostly successful Euro 2024 campaign so far, Portugal will be looking to utilise their vastly talented squad for as long as they can by going far into the tournament.
Slovenia are just happy to be here after surviving a gruelling group stage, but do not be mistaken, they are going to fight tooth and nail to stay in the competition.
NetBet is here for all your online betting needs during Euro 2024 and you can take advantage of our Acca Boost feature throughout the tournament. Read on for our preview of one of the featured games of the weekend.
Portugal vs Slovenia
Monday, July 1, 8pm
Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt, Germany
Live on BBC One
Preview
Aside from a shock loss to Georgia with the majority of the first XI rested, Portugal had an impressive group stage and defeated tough Turkey and Czechia teams. They look strong all over the park and their roster is one of the most stacked in the competition, with world-class players and back-ups in every position. Slovenia will look to negate Portugal’s play and take the game to a place where they can capitalise on tiredness and frustration.
But Portugal will not want to let it get that far and their attacking force is more than capable of handling the responsibility. Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota, Rafael Leao and Bernardo Silva are just a few of the names that Portugal have at their disposal and goals seem to be guaranteed whoever their opponent. Add to that a defence which boasts some of Europe’s best.
Slovenia shocked everyone, including themselves, by reaching the knockout stages of Euro 2024 and their progression is entirely deserved after hard-fought draws in all of their group stage games against opponents who expected to beat them. But Portugal in a knockout game is an entirely different prospect and they will have to work even harder if they want to get any sort of result.
Slovenia have shown they can be organised and compact to keep teams out and will have to frustrate Portugal with the same strategy. But having done this against the likes of England, Serbia and Denmark, they have proven their method works and will then look to utilise star striker Benjamin Sesko to complete a smash-and-grab victory against one of the tournament favourites.
Odds
Portugal are the convincing favourites before Monday’s clash, heading in at 1.42 for the win. Slovenia sit at 8.50 but won’t mind the pressure being off their shoulders.
Betting Tips
*Odds are correct at time of publication and subject to change
Joao-Zat!
Portugal have been ruthless in front of goal this competition and we expect there to be no difference on Monday. Portugal to win and score over 2 goals is at 2.99
Diogo Breaking My Heart
With an incredible amount of attacking threat in their squad, goals could come from anywhere. Premier League sharpshooter Jota is at 2.77 to score anytime, Ronaldo is at 1.92 and Felix sits at 3.05
Ey, Oh, Ses-Ko!
After surprisingly failing to net in this tournament, Slovenia’s star man will be desperate to get off the mark after threatening in every game so far. Sesko will be the focus of all of Slovenia’s attacking efforts so if they are going to score, he will have something to do with it. Sesko is at 5.80 to score and 13.00 to open the scoring.
Portugal Team News
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): D.Costa, Cancelo, Dias, Pepe, Mendes; Palhinha, Vitinha; Leao, Fernandes, B.Silva, Ronaldo
Suspensions: None
Slovenia Team News
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Oblak, Karnicnik, Drkusic, Bijol, Balkovec; Stojanovic, Cerin, Elsnik, Mlakar, Sporar, Sesko
Suspensions: Janza
Score Prediction
Portugal 3-1 Slovenia
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