Portugal will look to recover from their shock defeat against Georgia when they take on Slovenia in Frankfurt. Under Roberto Martinez, eight changes were implemented after being outwitted by Matjaz Kek and his relentless charges.
Petar Stojanovic makes an important tackle to stop Rafael Leao before Bernardo Silva passes through a maze of Slovenia defenders and shoots wide of goal.
In this article, we will discuss the high lights of Portugal National Football Team Vs Slovenia National Football Team Timeline.
Here are the starting lineups for both teams:
Portugal:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Diogo Costa |
| RB | João Cancelo |
| CB | Pepe |
| CB | Rúben Dias |
| LB | Nuno Mendes |
| CM | João Palhinha |
| CM | Vitinha |
| RW | Bernardo Silva |
| AM | Bruno Fernandes |
| LW | Rafael Leão |
| CF | Cristiano Ronaldo |
Slovenia:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Jan Oblak (c) |
| RB | Žan Karničnik |
| CB | Vanja Drkušić |
| CB | Jaka Bijol |
| LB | Jure Balkovec |
| RM | Petar Stojanović |
| CM | Adam Gnezda Čerin |
| CM | Timi Max Elšnik |
| LM | Jan Mlakar |
| CF | Andraž Šporar |
| CF | Benjamin Šeško |
Please note that football team lineups can change due to tactics, injuries, and other factors. For the most current information, it’s advisable to consult official team announcements or reputable sports news outlets.
Portugal National Football Team
Portugal is one of the most successful national football teams internationally. They have won an unprecedented nine European Championship titles and two World Cup crowns; most recently defeating France 2-1 at Euro 2016.
Over the years, this team has worn various colors; its traditional home kit is red with green trim to represent its country’s flag. However, other color combinations have included all-black or featuring an assortment of scarlets in its uniforms.
Roberto Martinez made several key substitutions during Portugal’s loss to Georgia, including resting several key players such as Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias from Manchester City. However, these players should all return for this match against Spain. Cristiano Ronaldo may return up front, although there has been talk that he may partner either Nani or Andre Silva instead of taking up his traditional position up front.
Both teams will aim to avoid defeat in order to advance to the quarter-finals, and both have strong chances. Slovenia has proven itself difficult to defeat in previous tournaments and may present Portugal with a stiff challenge on this occasion. If geographical restrictions prevent you from watching live coverage of this matchup, use a VPN connection instead for peace of mind when watching this important matchup!
Petar Stojanovic
Petar Stojanovic has not played much in Slovenia’s Euro 2024 campaign thus far, only making one tackle (zero won) and creating two chances in 13 minutes against Portugal on Monday night. Al Nassr defender will likely not appear again without permission from their club – or limited in fantasy value even if he does appear.
At halftime in Frankfurt, Portugal and Slovenia are locked in a tight contest; Portugal are dominating possession but cannot break through an immovable Slovenia defense that’s put up a fierce front against Ronaldo and co. from entering their box.
Pressure mounts as Cancelo and Silva attempt to force their way into the box but their efforts are blocked by opponents. A long corner gives Slovenia an opportunity to break down right flank, with Joao Cancelo leading this attempt but his cross being too high for Bernardo Silva to connect. Halftime Portugal 0-0 Slovenia
Zan Karnicnik
Slovenia defender Zan Karnicnik has been in stellar form during Euro 2024, scoring twice and setting up one goal during three games. When his side face Portugal in Frankfurt in the last-16 he hopes to continue this success by scoring again and providing one assist. The NK Unternehmer Celje player boasts two goals for scoring and one assist thus far at this tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo has gone unmarked in two games at Euros and will be desperate to break his drought tonight when leading out alongside Bernardo Silva as captain.
Matjaz Kek has chosen to field an unchanged starting XI from their win over England, with Erik Janza having to sit out due to a yellow card suspension; Alanyaspor defender Jure Balkovec comes in as cover.
Ronaldo’s penalty miss was heartbreaking, yet he will surely welcome a chance at redemption in the shootout. Stepping up, but his low strike is stopped by Jan Oblak who extends fully and tips it around the post – leaving Ronaldo shocked but unbowed as Joao Palhinha encourages him to put himself together before moving onto round two of penalties.
Vitinha
Vitinha will soon sign a long-term deal with Paris Saint-Germain to reward his outstanding performances and commitment during this season. His current contract expires in 2027 but PSG are keen to recognize his hard work with an offer to extend it by an extra five years.
Vitinha has made 109 appearances since joining PSG from FC Porto in 2022, and Luis Enrique considers him an essential asset. In fact, Enrique even named Vitinha his player of the season earlier this year for his contributions in helping PSG enjoy such an outstanding start to this year’s Champions League campaign.
Vitinha has always exhibited extraordinary skill on the pitch, and this natural talent is now beginning to demonstrate itself on an international stage. With strong passing and movement skills that enable him to get forward and create goals. Vitinha possesses all of the ingredients for being a star player; his performances for Portugal during Euro 2024 tournament have been promising.
Bernardo Silva
Portugal are finally getting into their stride and have emerged as serious contenders for the tournament championship. But first they must beat an experienced Slovenia team with plenty of heart.
Slovenia sent shockwaves through the international soccer community by holding reigning defending champions Brazil to a goalless draw in their last group game and are currently searching for their inaugural knockout stage win at any major tournament. Their players are fiercely passionate, competitive and believe in themselves and have both experience as well as youth on board.
Roberto Martinez opted to rest many of Portugal’s key players during their 2-0 win over Georgia, but Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes and Vitinha should return to start against Georgia underdogs while Danilo Pereira and Goncalo Inacio will move back to the bench.
On Friday in Hamburg, the winner will face either France or Belgium in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, whoever loses will be sent home after an unsuccessful tournament. Portugal are strong favorites here but Slovenia will provide tough opposition. Portugal should use veteran players such as Ronaldo and Pepe to take advantage of any chances that arise against them but must be more precise with their passes to break through Slovenia’s strong defense.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo broke down into tears upon learning his game had reached extra time. It had been an unforgettable night of high drama for Portugal’s superstar as Slovenia played an excellent defensive display that ensured they held Portugal to a goalless draw and sent them through on penalties; Ronaldo missed a penalty that would have ensured his team progressed but Jan Oblak made an outstanding save to deny him that chance.
On Monday night at Frankfurt Arena in Germany, both teams will attempt to take home victory to set up a semi-final tie against France or Belgium. Portugal are amongst the favourites, yet face an uphill task against an opponent that remains undefeated in Euro 2024 campaign.
Matjaz Kek will aim to draw out the best from RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko when they take on Slovenia, who boast defenders Vanja Drkusic and Jure Balkovec as part of an underdog side at Frankfurt Arena. Matjaz Kek will need their home fans’ backing if he hopes to succeed against his Slovenian opposition who make their inaugural knockout stage appearance against RB Leipzig on April 13.