Euro 2024: Everything you need to know about Portugal vs Slovenia game

By Seyi Babalola

Portugal and Slovenia will face in the round of 16 of the UEFA Euro 2024 on Monday, July 1 by 8 pm.

Portugal’s record of 12 straight triumphs in the Euro qualifying and finals games was broken off by Georgia in a shocking 2-0 loss in their previous match.

However, the Euro 2016 winners had already won Group F and made several changes by that point, and they felt the setback would teach valuable lessons.

Slovenia will not mind in any case as Matjaž Kek’s team has drawn their past four Euro games, including a goalless draw against England. This is their first major tournament knockout round.

Monday’s encounter will be Portugal’s second-ever meeting with Slovenia, who have three successive group-stage draws and nine games undefeated.

Speaking ahead of the match, Roberto Martínez, Portugal’s coach said: “I think everyone in the world of football knows what Slovenia did in the three games. We know them well from the game in March and it was no surprise for us to see why they had a clean sheet against England.

“They have a proper organisation of a club, so this is a huge credit to the work of the coach. We all know the individual quality they have, the capacity to create a lot in quick attacks. They are a very complete team, so we have to be at our best.”

Also, Matjaž Kek, Slovenia coach said: “I just hope the boys remain relaxed and focused. We know who we are up against. Portugal are one of the favourites to win this EURO. But we want a good result and do not care too much about how we look on the pitch. I expect we will ‘suffer’ in certain moments. As it stands now, everybody is in contention for this match.”

The winner of Portugal vs Slovenia will face France or Belgium in the quarterfinals.

The match will be broadcast on GOtv and DStv. On GOtv channel 61, and DStv channels 222 and 225, respectively.

Possible line-ups

Portugal: Diogo Costa; Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Pepe, Nuno Mendes; Palhinha, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes; Rafael Leão, Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva

Suspended: none

Misses next match if booked: Ronaldo, Francisco Conceição, João Palhinha, Pedro Neto, Rúben Neves

Slovenia: Oblak; Karničnik, Drkušić, Bijol, Balkovec; Stojanović, Elšnik, Gnezda Čerin, Mlakar; Šporar, Šeško
Suspended: Janža.

Misses next match if booked: Bijol, Celar, Stojanović, Vipotnik.