Portugal and Slovenia share an illustrious history, from early friendly matches to major competitive games. Their latest encounter will add another intriguing chapter, with Portugal looking to show that Georgia’s 2-0 defeat was only temporary.
Costa meets Josip Ilicic at the edge of the box and makes an exceptional block. Here we will discuss the main points of Portugal National Football Team vs Slovenia National Football Team Lineups.
Portugal National Football Team
Portugal are hoping to secure their first ever knockout round victory at any major tournament against a nervous Slovenia. After suffering an unexpected 2-0 loss against Georgia in their final group match, Euro 2016 champions Portugal can ill afford complacency.
However, Roberto Martinez should have enough firepower to subdue Slovenia in Frankfurt without resorting to tactical experimentation.
Porto goalkeeper Pepe Reina has been an indispensable member of Portugal’s defense, but will need to be at his best against a lively Slovenian side. Their backline must work hard to prevent Jota and Silva from getting behind them, assisted by Veiga and Palhinha’s strong midfield duo – not forgetting Chelsea loanee Joao Cancelo on the right flank who provides great counterattack opportunities – who may help add goals at this tournament.
GK Diogo Costa
Slovenia will look to unseat one of the favorites when they take on Portugal in Monday’s Euro 2024 round-of-16 match in Frankfurt. After Georgia stunned 2016 UEFA Champions League winners Portugal in their final group game, Slovenia have an opportunity to upset Selecao’s hopes and possibly send shockwaves through European football.
CR7 and his teammates must win to remain competitive and advance into the quarter-finals. Former Barcelona goalkeeper Diego Alves has been key to Portugal’s success so far, saving from Benjamin Sesko late on in extra time in extra time to help ensure Portugal advanced.
Roberto Martinez has made eight changes to his starting eleven, with Jure Balkovec replacing Erik Janza as the only change for Matjaz Kek’s Slovenian side. Jure is an excellent choice at left-back who can cover plenty of ground when required.
LB Petar Stojanovic
After suffering an unexpected defeat against Georgia in Euro 2024 Group F, Portugal will attempt to recapture their form against underdog Slovenia in a Euro 2024 Round of 16 match on July 1. Roberto Martinez’s squad finished top, but were far from impressive: needing an injury-time winner against Czechia before defeating Turkiye 3-0 for top spot.
Matjaz Kek’s Slovenia side may seem like underdogs, but their coach has an impressive track record of pulling off upsets. Their group stage defense was staunch while Benjamin Sesko could prove an asset going forward.
Record-setting captain Cristiano Ronaldo will aim to break his longest goal drought across major tournaments when he takes to the pitch again this weekend for Juventus against Georgia. Ronaldo last scored at an official major tournament during Qatar 2022 against Ghana; he sat out against Georgia but will return. Manchester City duo Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva should also start.
CM Bruno Fernandes
As Portugal won their opening Group F match against Poland with ease, Manchester United midfielder Anthony Fernandes should retain his place following an impressive display. Joao Cancelo and Tomas Araujo will likely also remain starting players, while Joao Cancelo could serve as main creator against a defensively sound Slovenia side.
Matjaz Kek may make one change to Slovenia’s starting eleven due to defender Erik Janza’s suspension; Alanyaspor defender Jure Balkovec could replace Janza in defence, with Benjamin Sesko likely joining them from RB Leipzig and looking for ways to score on his right side wing – something which has yet to happen this tournament despite creating chances but yet unrealised; hopefully that could change here in Frankfurt!
CM Joao Cancelo
Roberto Martinez may opt to keep a strong starting lineup for Portugal’s Round of 16 match against Slovenia. They finished top of Group F after scoring an 89th-minute winner against Czech Republic and losing by two goals against Georgia in between.
Al Nassr striker Cristiano Ronaldo’s poor performances has cast doubt upon his place in the side, prompting some to suggest Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Goncalo Ramos could be promoted as a replacement.
Vitinha, Joao Cancelo and Bruno Fernandes should remain in the lineup, while Tiago Djalo could make his senior international debut to stop Ante Budimir from scoring goals. Erik Janza is suspended for Alanyaspor while Jure Balkovec of Alanyaspor should take up fullback duties instead. This contest will be officiated by Lithuanian Donatas Rumpauskas who will referee from Frankfurt Arena.
CM Rafael Leao
Manchester City schemer Joao Cancelo could prove crucial in Portugal’s fightback against Slovenia. His speed makes him an excellent source for Joao Cancelo on the right.
Rui Patricio will make his Portuguese national team debut as Rui Patricio looks to keep Slovenia at bay as Portugal look to recover from their surprise loss against Georgia and prove their mettle against one-dimensional opponents like Slovenia. Pepe and Ruben Neves should provide stability at centre-back.
Jonathan Kovalainen from RB Leipzig will replace Vanja Drkusic due to an injury, with Alanyaspor’s Jure Balkovec taking up his place on the left – both will face plenty of pressure from Portugal’s potency of attackers.
CM Francisco Conceicao
Roberto Martinez will likely make adjustments following their defeat by Georgia, and be set to field his starting XI again against Slovenia for Portugal’s Euro 2024 quarter-final encounter. Selecao are undisputed group F champions, making them favorites to join Spain, Germany and England in reaching the last eight.
Nuno Mendes, Vitinha and Joao Cancelo should maintain their midfield positions. Rafael Leao should also return after missing Georgia due to two yellow cards received against him.
Slovenia are capable of pulling off an upset in Frankfurt on Monday despite suffering a surprise 2-0 defeat against Georgia, thanks to Jan Oblak and Benjamin Sesko who will provide plenty of trouble for reigning champions Spain. Their defense hasn’t been the strongest, however; therefore they should keep an eye on Manchester City winger Bruno Fernandes closely for a victory.
CM Vitinha
Portugal are still leading League A Group 1 after defeating Poland 5-1, but Joao Neves could be forced to alter his tactics against Croatia if Zlatko Dalic’s side loses against Portugal; otherwise they would face the prospect of dropping into relegation play-off spots in December’s quarterfinal draw if they suffer defeat against Selecao.
Wojciech Szczesny will miss Michal Probierz’s team after suffering a knee injury with Barcelona, however Arsenal defender Jan Bednarek and Jakub Kiwior should both start. Piatek who missed a penalty will start on the bench.
CM Josip Ilicic
Cristiano Ronaldo will look to add to his international goal tally as Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo nears 900 international goals, but will do it without Manchester United team-mate Bruno Fernandes who was dismissed following his red card against Poland last Friday.
Joao Neves should keep his place for Paris Saint-Germain against Poland despite being replaced at halftime, and Vitinha may fill in for Bernardo Silva at midfield.
Slovenia are entering this match following two 1-1 draws against Denmark and Serbia, meaning they sit one point clear of the bottom four in UEFA Nations League Group B3 ahead of facing Portugal. Matjaz Kek’s squad should feel secure defensively with Oblak, Karnicnik, Drkusic Bijol Janza.
CM Zan Karnicnik
Portugal will look to rebound after suffering an unexpected defeat to Georgia in their final group stage game, taking on Slovenia in their Round of 16 encounter in Frankfurt. Roberto Martinez resting many of his top players against Georgia but will want his squad to avoid becoming complacent against an ambitious underdog like Slovenia.
Manchester City trio Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva will return, as will Juventus star defender Pepe. Cristiano Ronaldo may not have scored since appearing at major tournament knockout rounds 19 times prior, yet he should still provide an intimidating presence up front for Selecao.
Fabio Silva and Geovany Quenda from Portugal U-21 squad have been selected, while Tomas Araujo and Tiago Djalo could make their first appearances for Portugal. Joao Neves and Vitinha should remain central players.