Portugal have plenty of talent, but Roberto Martinez’s failure to adjust player roles and tactics is jeopardizing their chances at Euro 2024 victory. That was evident during their shocking loss against Georgia that saw critics label them as arrogant and disjointed.
Cristiano Ronaldo was reduced to tears as Jan Oblak saved his penalty kick, while Costa saved all three Slovenian spot-kicks during a shootout. Portugal advanced into the quarter-finals where they will meet France. In this article, we will discuss the main points of Portugal National Football Team Vs Slovenia National Football Team Timeline.
Goals of Portugal National Football Team Vs Slovenia
Diogo Costa made three saves as Portugal defeated Slovenia 3-0 to advance to the quarter-finals at Euro 2024 and face France. Cristiano Ronaldo missed his penalty but his teammates rallied around to ensure their team would make it past Germany’s Deutsche Bank Park stadium in Frankfurt city, Germany and into the last eight of competition.
Portugal claimed their inaugural win at this tournament and first knockout game since lifting Henri Delaunay trophy in 2016. Additionally, this victory put Portugal back on course to regaining top spot in Group B; although, they must first beat Hungary and Bulgaria before making such a move.
Roberto Martinez’s side are favourites to advance to the semi-finals but will face an experienced Slovenia team led by Matjaz Kek and known for their tough defense, making a clash of styles likely. They will look to use their defensive strength against Portugal.
The Portugal National Football Team is administered by Federaco Portuguesa de Futebol and competes in international men’s football competitions under manager Roberto Martinez and captained by Cristiano Ronaldo. Home games for Portugal take place at Estadio Nacional in Lisbon while Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras serves as its training grounds and technical headquarters; FIFA and UEFA membership was achieved back in 1921 and currently ranks them seventh worldwide by IFFHS; their nickname being “The Eagles”. Their most recent defeat occurred against Georgia during Euro 2024 qualifiers on 3 September in Georgia during Euro 2024 qualifiers Qualifier qualification games against them on 3 September 2019.
Goalkeepers of Portugal National Football Team Vs Slovenia
Portugal may not be the most exciting side to watch at Euro 2024, but they possess enough quality on their bench to stand up to Slovenia. Three quarters of their team play in either Champions League or Wolverhampton Wanderers; even with goalkeeper Pepe’s veteran status (he would become oldest competitor at major tournament at 41) they appear very solid as a unit.
Roberto Martinez tinkered with his squad last time out but should rely on his strongest starting lineup for this important matchup. Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo and Vitinha are likely to start alongside Cristiano Ronaldo; who boasts more line-breaking passes than any other player and has an astounding 90% pass completion rate! Joao Palhinha and Diogo Costa may provide extra defensive stability.
Slovenia weren’t at their best against England in their opening group game; however, much like they did against Turkey (in a 0-0 draw), they made themselves difficult to beat and looked dangerous on the counter-attack with Benjamin Sesko threatening a major impact.
But their draw meant they finished third in their group and now face fourth-ranked France in the quarter-finals. France can take heart from not crumbling under pressure; their defensive structure held even though they conceded five goals throughout competition; Jaka Bijol, Zan Celar and Petar Stojanovic should be able to penetrate Portugal’s defence without picking up further yellow cards and make inroads against Portugal’s defense.
Defenders of Portugal National Football Team Vs Slovenia
Portugal are reigning champions, boasting an outstanding lineup. Boasting top-level defenders, discipline and flair in midfield and goalscorers up front, Roberto Martinez’s side possess all of the tools to go far at Euro 2024 and could potentially reach the quarter-finals without issues against Slovenia.
The initial encounter between these sides was an exciting contest. Portugal held only a narrow advantage in their group stage matchup against Turkey but were nonetheless expected to easily overcome a team 51 places below them in Fifa rankings – yet did just that! They surprised everyone by winning in an unlikely penalty shootout. Josip Ilicic, Jure Balkovec and Benjamin Verbic all missed their penalties while Cristiano Ronaldo put away his shot for Portugal to secure an unlikely victory!
Slovenia can take heart from their performance in Frankfurt despite missing out on qualification for the knockout rounds. They managed to hold Denmark, Serbia and England all to draws as they finished third in Group C – an achievement they will hope to replicate against Portugal next time around.
Jan Bednarek, Bartosz Bereszynski, Pawel Dawidowicz and Jakub Kiwior will attempt to prevent Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva and Joao Cancelo from breaking through into their final third. Matjaz Kek’s team can also count on players like Nicola Zalewski, Maxi Oyedele and Kamil Piatkowski for defensive stability.
Roberto Martinez will likely opt to start Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva against Slovenia, given their efforts. If Goncalo Inacio becomes injured again he could be replaced by Sporting CP’s Timi Max Elsnik or Adam Gnezda Cerin depending on their fitness status.
Midfielders of Portugal National Football Team Vs Slovenia
Portugal will look to avoid their first loss of the tournament when they take on Slovenia in a Round-16 clash at Frankfurt’s Deutsche Bank Park. The victor will advance to face either France or Belgium in a quarterfinal clash; both squads are poised for success reaching the last eight.
Although Germany is widely seen as the favourite, it could be difficult to predict who will emerge victorious from this game. Portugal boasts some talented players but their defense has been disappointing; their loss against Georgia was particularly disgraceful and critics called into question Roberto Martinez’s tactical approach.
Even after this defeat, Portugal coach Fernando Santos is expected to use many of his top performers against Slovenia on Monday. Joao Cancelo, Pepe and Bernardo Silva were rested for Georgia but all three should make an appearance against Slovenia on Monday; Joao Palhinha and Vitinha may also return into his lineup.
Midfield will be key for Portugal in this match and they boast some excellent options in midfield. Vitinha was instrumental in their success at Euro 2024 and could feature again on Monday as he links play with players such as Joao Felix and Pedro Neto.
Joao Pacheco and Bruno Fernandes will provide physical resistance against Slovenia’s defence, with Juventus’ Samu Costa providing an attacking outlet down the right flank. Fulham forward Benjamin Sesko may cause problems on the counterattack. This match will be an exciting battle of styles – and its winner can make a statement about their chances for winning the league title.
Forwards of Portugal National Football Team Vs Slovenia
Portugal were shocked on penalties during their previous meeting between Portugal and Slovenia at Euro 2024; now, when these sides meet again for Euro 2024 quarter-finals on Monday in Frankfurt, Portugal must make amends and win to advance to either France or Belgium’s semifinal match-up.
Roberto Martinez’s Selecao are unquestionable favorites to emerge victorious from this match-up; however, their margin for error remains thin as all three group matches were drawn 2-2 and will need to be at their very best in order to overcome an experienced Slovenian team that defended with passion throughout their tournament campaign.
Matjaz Kek’s squad have assembled an effective defensive unit and should present problems for Selecao with their counterattacking play. Unfortunately, Slovenia have failed to score during regulation time at this tournament – ultimately drawing with Turkey 0-0 and finishing third overall in Group C.
Slovenia will make their knockout stage debut against Portugal, who are sure to test them with one of the tournament’s premier attacking sides. Furthermore, injured defender Matija Katic may miss out and Jure Balkovec could potentially start in his place.
Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig will lead Slovenia’s attack, and is capable of creating chances for his side. However, he must be wary not to surrender possession to Selecao’s talented forwards; otherwise they could capitalise on any mistakes by the Slovenian defense and prove too powerful for underdog Slovenia.
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