Martinez wary of Slovenia despite Portugal confidence

Roberto Martinez remains confident ahead of the Euro 2024 knockout stage but admitted to feeling wary of Slovenia ahead of their last-16 meeting.

The Selecao sealed top spot in Group F with a game to spare after wins over Czechia and Turkiye.

However, they were stunned in their final group outing as they were beaten 2-0 by surprise-package Georgia on Wednesday.

Martinez noted the improvements Portugal have worked on since their disappointing end to the group stage, with his mind on the tough test ahead.

"I can say that after three games, the team is ready," Martinez said. "A new tournament starts now, it's in or out.

"It's not easy to play at Euro, but as a team we are prepared to face this knockout phase.

"Portugal is fresh, we're ready, and I would like to answer questions on 15 July [after the final].

"A lot of teams at Euro have personality and believe they can win. Every game depends on small details. Slovenia are like this. They are organised and competitive, we need to be at our best."

"It's a historic moment for Slovenia in football, the first time in the round of 16. We admire what the coach is doing – they play like a club."

Unlike his head coach, Bruno Fernandes showed no fear ahead of their first knockout match, with his sights set firmly on the trophy.

"We take a lot of good things from the group stages, there were positives even from the defeat against Georgia," Fernandes added. "We wanted three wins out of three, but we topped our group. This will be different, it's the knockout stages.

"We want to win every single game, making it to the final and winning the final. There is no minimum objective.

"No team wants to go home early. We know what we are worth. Every team wants to go as far as possible, and that means the final."