Portugal National Football Team vs Slovenia National Football Team Lineups

Portugal National Football Team vs Slovenia National Football Team Lineups
Portugal National Football Team vs Slovenia National Football Team Lineups

Portugal will look to bounce back from an upset group-stage defeat against long-shot outsiders Georgia when they meet Slovenia in the Euro 2024 Round of 16. Cristiano Ronaldo had his penalty saved by Jan Oblak, prompting tears from him.

Roberto Martinez will likely recall many of the players that he rested against Georgia, with Pepe likely pairing with Ruben Dias in a three-man defence with Joao Palhinha and Vitinha joining them as midfielders. In this article, we will discuss the high lights of Portugal National Football Team vs Slovenia National Football Team Lineups.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo kept his emotions under control after having his penalty saved, gazing solemnly down upon Jan Oblak and shrugging his shoulders after it had been saved by Jan Oblak. However, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo will look to make amends against Slovenia in their last-16 matchup.

Portugal were unable to score against Georgia, due in large part to their resilient underdog status. Roberto Martinez will look to avoid tactical experiments and the Euro 2016 champions should possess enough firepower to outwit a Slovenia side that tends to give possession away too easily.

Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek is expected to keep the same starting lineup that won his side’s opening two games, featuring full-back Erik Janza who has received a yellow card suspension but Jure Balkovec could replace him in defence; no other Slovenian players are expected to be unavailable; Benjamin Sesko could prove their key attacker who missed chances against both England and Turkey.

2. Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes was one of Portugal’s key performers during Group Stage play, notching four scoring chances, two shots (including one on goal) and 13 crosses for Fulham midfielder Bruno Fernandes’ side in Group A. With his direct approach and four scoring opportunities he could prove pivotal against Slovenia in helping Portugal keep possession of possession – something his direct approach could do as well as keeping possession.

Goncalo Ramos should come off the bench if Martinez makes any bold changes, with Ronaldo likely continuing his goalless run across both European and World Cup finals. Martinez rotated several key players against Georgia but should keep faith with his strongest lineup for their crucial last-16 match-up against Slovenia; full-back Erik Janza is suspended after picking up a yellow card against England; Jure Balkovec could come in as an effective replacement.

3. Diogo Costa

The 2016 UEFA Euro winners have not been impregnable in Germany and will face an upbeat Slovenia team that defended doggedly to advance to the last 16. However, Argentina will benefit from Erik Janza being suspended and led by Alanyaspor’s Jure Balkovec as they head into battle against one another in Slovenia.

Costa has made an early claim as Portugal’s best defender at this tournament and can be counted upon to read the game well alongside Pepe. He is an outstandingly composed operator yet still possessing enough energy and intensity to dive headlong into battle when needed.

Vitinha has enjoyed an outstanding 2023/24 campaign and will provide the ideal complement to Joao Palhinha as a double pivot in midfield. The diminutive playmaker adeptly links attack and defence, as well as providing potency down right flank.

4. Pepe

Pepe, Portugal’s most experienced defender, has been an integral member of their backline since making his debut in 2007. Since 2007, he has garnered 137 caps – an accolade earned through hard work and physicality on the pitch as well as being an effective aerial threat from set pieces.

Pepe will be determined to keep a clean sheet against Slovenia, even though his team conceded three goals during group stage play. As a Porto defender who’s not afraid to make tackles himself, Pepe could likely be seen playing alongside Costa in central defence.

He is married to Ana Sofia Moreira and together they share two daughters. He has played for Maritimo, Porto and Real Madrid clubs with Maritimo winning several trophies before Real Madrid claimed them all. Additionally he represented Portugal at four FIFA World Cups and five UEFA European Championships; currently being one of Europe’s greatest defenders.

5. Vitinha

After a slow start to Euro 2024 tournament, Portugal have returned with their full strength for their Round of 16 tie against Slovenia. Manager Roberto Martinez will recall many of the players he rest in opening group matches and is expected to stick with 4-4-2 formation as his preferred play style.

Vitinha is an intelligent central midfielder, boasting excellent pass completion under pressure and offering tremendous dynamism in attack. Capable of maneuvering around opponents to open space for his teammates.

Paris Saint-Germain star Julian Draxler has been an instrumental member of this season’s team, helping lead them to both domestic double success and two Trophees des Champions victories. Draxler enjoys working closely alongside Bernardo Silva and is often deployed alongside him in more advanced positions; scoring one goal himself this year.

6. Bernardo Silva

Silva stands out as a remarkable No. 10 thanks to his superb dribbling skills and remarkable distribution abilities, which makes him an exceptional passer. From central passes to flank passes or overload runs and threading balls through, all can be accomplished effortlessly by Silva.

His touch is superb and his ability to dangle between markers rarely seen. Furthermore, he possesses an amazing talent of drawing groups of players toward himself while maintaining possession for extended periods, something which was evident at the European Under-21 Championship.

He also demonstrated his versatility by dazzling Slovenia’s defence during their final group game.

7. Leao

After being reduced to their second-string lineup against Georgia, Portugal will field their full strength team against Slovenia in this first knockout stage matchup. Although Portugal are considered slight underdogs in this encounter as Slovenia are unbeaten but struggling for goals at Frankfurt.

Leao may rely on his charm and smiles, but now is the time for him to show there’s more to his game than just cheery positivity. AC Milan winger was slow and wasteful during their 2-1 loss against city rival Inter last week and missed an ideal goalscoring chance in the second half.

Rossoneri star Leao may have earned himself inclusion due to the recent publication of his autobiography, entitled “Smile.” In it he discusses openly his struggles with mental health as well as openly support LGBT rights.

8. Vitinha

Coach Matjaz Kek of Slovenia typically follows his tried-and-tested tactics, so don’t expect much tactical experimentation from them. Experienced defenders Jan Oblak and Timi Max Elsnik should continue to provide stability at the back, with Jure Balkovec possible taking Erik Janza’s place on the left of their backline.

Vitor Machado Ferreira – or simply Vitinha – was an active youth international for Portugal at both age 19 and 21, finishing as runners-up at both European Under-19 Championships of 2019 and 2021 respectively. Representing Porto Youth Academy as a defender, Vitinha proved his versatility by contributing significantly towards their victory against Turkey during group stage play; furthermore despite an injury scare, this versatile player should start in Frankfurt.

9. Pepe

Porto goalkeeper Diego Porto hasn’t had to perform many saves so far at Euro 2024 but has provided Martinez with enough assurance. Now they face Slovenia, who have managed just two goals out of four games at this competition. Martinez may call upon Porto goalkeeper Diego Porto again when facing them next.

Pepe was a dreamer with ambitions of his own and was given constant encouragement from Rosilene to pursue them. Although financially strapped, Pepe’s parents managed to gather enough funds so he could pursue his goals.

Pepe stands out as an exceptional husband and father to his family, prioritizing spending time with his wife Ana and daughter whenever possible. Additionally, he enjoys reading philosophical and historical works as well as jogging and tennis – Manchester United fandom is his passion!

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