The upcoming match between Portugal and Slovenia will be a key encounter in the UEFA Euro 2024 knockout stage, where Portugal is facing Slovenia in Frankfurt, Germany. This match has gained significant attention, especially due to Portugal’s powerful squad, featuring players like Cristiano Ronaldo, João Félix, and Bruno Fernandes. Slovenia, though ranked lower, has been resilient, with key performances from Benjamin Šeško and veteran midfielder, and they aim to challenge Portugal despite their rankings being 51 places apart.
Slovenia’s past strong performances in the qualifiers and the attention around their star players make this a contest full of potential surprises.
If you are following the match, keep an eye on strategic battles, such as Portugal’s offensive firepower versus Slovenia’s defensive structure, and how players like Ronaldo and Šeško will impact the flow of the game.
“Portugal vs Slovenia: Euro 2024 Knockout Clash – Lineups and Key Details”
For the upcoming Euro 2024 Round of 16 match between Portugal and Slovenia, here are the confirmed lineups:
Midfielders: Vitinha, Joao Palhinha, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao
Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo
Slovenia Starting XI (4-4-2 Formation):
Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak
Defenders: Zan Karnicnik, Miha Drkusic, Benjamin Bijol, Jure Balkovec (replacing Erik Janza)
Midfielders: Bojan Stojanovic, Andraz Elsnik, Zan Gnezda Cerin, Benjamin Mlakar
Forwards: Andraz Sporar, Benjamin Sesko
Key Updates:
Injuries/Suspensions: Slovenia’s left-back Erik Janza is suspended for this match due to a yellow card accumulation, and he will be replaced by Jure Balkovec. No injuries or suspensions were reported for Portugal.
This match is expected to be crucial for both teams, with Portugal coming back to full strength after some rotation in their final group game. Slovenia will aim to cause an upset after securing their first-ever knockout berth in a major tournament.
Portugal vs Slovenia: Tactical Preview, Key Matchups, and Fan Predictions
Tactical Analysis
Team
Tactics
Portugal
High pressing, fast transitions, exploiting the flanks with Ronaldo and Cancelo. Focus on midfield control with Bruno Fernandes.
Slovenia
Defensive discipline, relying on counter-attacks with Sporar and Sesko as the key attacking threats. Use Jan Oblak as the last line of defense.
Key Player Matchups
Player
Opponent
Key Battle
Cristiano Ronaldo
Slovenian Defense
Can Ronaldo break down Slovenia’s defense, led by Miha Drkusic and Benjamin Bijol?
Andraz Sporar
Ruben Dias
Can Sporar outsmart Dias in the attack? Dias will be key in neutralizing Slovenia’s counter-attack.
Head-to-Head Record
Date
Result
Competition
06/09/2021
Portugal 2-1 Slovenia
World Cup Qualifiers
11/10/2020
Slovenia 0-2 Portugal
UEFA Nations League
12/11/2016
Slovenia 0-2 Portugal
World Cup Qualifiers
Manager Insights
Manager
Tactical Approach
Fernando Santos
Focuses on possession and quick transitions. Likely to set up Portugal in a 4-3-3 with a focus on width and pace.
Matjaz Kek
Uses a compact, disciplined defensive setup, often relying on counter-attacks to exploit spaces. A 4-4-2 formation is typical.
Fan Sentiment & Predictions
Team
Fan Sentiment
Predicted Outcome
Portugal
High confidence with star power in Ronaldo and Fernandes.
Portugal favored to win due to stronger attacking options.
Slovenia
Optimistic but aware of the challenge against a stronger side.
Slovenia will focus on defense and counter-attacks, hoping for an upset.
Predicted Lineups Table
Predicted Starting Lineups
Portugal Position
Player
Slovenia Position
Player
Goalkeeper
Diogo Costa
Goalkeeper
Jan Oblak
Defender
João Cancelo
Defender
Petar Stojanović
Midfielder
Bruno Fernandes
Midfielder
Benjamin Verbič
Forward
Cristiano Ronaldo
Forward
Josip Iličić
Key Player Profiles Table
Key Player Profiles
Player
Team
Goals in Last 5 Games
Assists in Last 5 Games
Notable Stats
Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal
4
2
Highest Scorer for Portugal
Jan Oblak
Slovenia
0
0
92% Save Rate
Injury and Suspension Update Table
Injury and Suspension Update
Player
Team
Status
Expected Return
Bernardo Silva
Portugal
Injured
2 Weeks
Miha Mevlja
Slovenia
Suspended
Next Match
Weather and Venue Conditions Table
Match Conditions
Aspect
Details
Venue
Estádio da Luz, Lisbon
Weather Forecast
Partly Cloudy, 16°C
Field Condition
Good
Referee Profile
Referee Profile
Referee
Matches Officiated
Yellow Cards Avg.
Red Cards Avg.
Anthony Taylor
5 in Intl. Competitions
2.6 per match
0.4 per match
Recent Head-to-Head Results Table
Past 5 Match Results
Date
Portugal
Score
Slovenia
Competition
2023-03-15
Portugal
3-1
Slovenia
Euro Qualifiers
2022-06-10
Portugal
1-1
Slovenia
Friendly
Fan Predictions Poll Table
Fan Predictions
Outcome
Vote Percentage
Portugal Win
60%
Draw
20%
Slovenia Win
20%
“Portugal vs. Slovenia: A Showdown to Test Ronaldo’s Legacy Against Slovenia’s Rising Stars”
The clash between Portugal and Slovenia showcases more than just a game; it’s a duel of emerging Slovenian resilience against Portugal’s iconic names. With Portugal relying on veterans like Ronaldo, there’s a growing debate: can seasoned stars fend off Slovenia’s strategic newcomers? This matchup may signal a need for Portugal to refresh its lineup if Slovenia’s young squad manages to disrupt their game. A victory for Slovenia could redefine perceptions, hinting that Portugal’s reliance on past legends might be their downfall in evolving football dynamics.
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