Both Roberto Martinez and Matjaz Kek have selection dilemmas heading into the Euro 2024 knockout stage match between Portugal and Slovenia on Monday.
Portugal reached the knockout stage after finishing top of Group F, while Slovenia qualified after finishing as one of the best third-placed nations.
Here’s how the squads are shaping up ahead of this one.
Portugal Team News
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Martinez made eight changes for the Georgia game, with only Ronaldo, Joao Palhinha and Diogo Costa keeping their places in the team.
That means we’ll see a number of high-profile names return, like Fernandes, Vitinha, Pepe, Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes and Bernardo Silva.
Rafael Leao is available for selection again after being suspended against Georgia. He collected two yellow cards in the first two games for diving.
Costa will start behind a back four of Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Pepe and Mendes. Palhinha has twice been taken off due to his suspension worries, but he’ll probably retain his place in midfield alongside Vitinha.
Cristiano Ronaldo is yet to find the back of the net, but his assist for Bruno Fernandes in the Turkey victory saw him become the most prolific assist-maker in the history of the European Championships.
Slovenia Team News
Don’t expect much experimentation from Slovenia boss Matjaz Kek, who will field his team in a rigid 4-4-2 formation.
Forwards Benjamin Sesko and Andraz Sporar have had 12 shots between them so far in the tournament, but haven’t converted any of them into a goal.
Portugal (4-2-3-1): Costa; Cancelo, Pepe, Dias, Mendes; Vitinha, Palhinha; B. Silva, Fernandes, Leao; Ronaldo
Slovenia (4-4-2) Oblak; Karnicnik, Drkusic, Bijol, Janza; Stojanovic, Cerin, Elsnik, Mlakar; Sporar, Sesko
For all of the analysis of the match as it happens live, check out our Preview and Live Update page for the game.
FAQs
What was the score the last time Portugal played Slovenia? Interestingly, Slovenia played Portugal in a friendly just two months ago and won 2-0.
What time does the match kick-off? The game…
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Author : editors@footballcritic.com (Martin Macdonald)
Publish date : 2024-07-01 06:15:00
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