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Preview: Portugal vs. Slovenia

Preview: Portugal vs. Slovenia

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Portugal will face Slovenia in the Round of 16 at the Frankfurt Arena as superstar Cristiano Ronaldo still searches for his first goal at the tournament.

By Matthew Smith

Roberto Martínez’s side got off to an impressive start at Euro 2024, winning their first two games while scoring five times. With Portugal already qualified heading into the final match of the group stage, Martínez heavily rotated his team with Georgia securing a 2-0 victory. 

The Portuguese supporters won’t be too disheartened with their disappointing performance in their third game of the tournament. Portugal showed enough promise in their opening two fixtures for the fans who have travelled to Germany to have plenty of faith in the final weeks of Euro 2024.

Portugal have implemented a possession-based style in the competition, keeping the ball 67.4 per cent of the time, more than any other side. Producing 98 touches inside the opposition box, Martínez’s men have been a constant threat in the final third.

Ronaldo has often been a standout for his country in previous tournaments, but the experienced forward hasn’t quite got going yet at Euro 2024. The 39-year-old is yet to find the back of the net, but thankfully for Portugal, the likes of Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes have chipped in with goals.

Slovenia have been draw-specialists at Euro 2024 so far, securing a single point in all three games. It was enough for Matjaž Kek’s side to gain qualification to the knockout rounds, with their draw against England their standout result. 

Averaging less possession (32.7 per cent) and fewer touches inside the opposition box (34) than any other team at the tournament, Slovenia have been a frustrating side to face. Defending deep and looking to counter-attack, Kek’s team have conceded just 0.7 goals per game.

Timi Elšnik has been a key figure in the middle of the park for Kek’s men at Euro 2024, averaging a 7.45 match rating throughout. The 26-year-old midfielder has averaged 1.4 successful tackles per 90 while creating a chance per game, and he will need to be at his best against Portugal who have star-studded options in the centre of the pitch. 

Andraž Šporar and Benjamin Šeško play in a two-man attack for Slovenia, but they’re yet to find the back of the net. The centre-forward duo will be looking to break down a strong Portugal defence.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from Euro 2024 live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Preview: Portugal vs. Slovenia

Portugal will face Slovenia in the Round of 16 at the Frankfurt Arena as superstar Cristiano Ronaldo still searches for his first goal at the tournament.

By Matthew Smith

Roberto Martínez’s side got off to an impressive start at Euro 2024, winning their first two games while scoring five times. With Portugal already qualified heading into the final match of the group stage, Martínez heavily rotated his team with Georgia securing a 2-0 victory. 

The Portuguese supporters won’t be too disheartened with their disappointing performance in their third game of the tournament. Portugal showed enough promise in their opening two fixtures for the fans who have travelled to Germany to have plenty of faith in the final weeks of Euro 2024.

Portugal have implemented a possession-based style in the competition, keeping the ball 67.4 per cent of the time, more than any other side. Producing 98 touches inside the opposition box, Martínez’s men have been a constant threat in the final third.

Ronaldo has often been a standout for his country in previous tournaments, but the experienced forward hasn’t quite got going yet at Euro 2024. The 39-year-old is yet to find the back of the net, but thankfully for Portugal, the likes of Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes have chipped in with goals.

Slovenia have been draw-specialists at Euro 2024 so far, securing a single point in all three games. It was enough for Matjaž Kek’s side to gain qualification to the knockout rounds, with their draw against England their standout result. 

Averaging less possession (32.7 per cent) and fewer touches inside the opposition box (34) than any other team at the tournament, Slovenia have been a frustrating side to face. Defending deep and looking to counter-attack, Kek’s team have conceded just 0.7 goals per game.

Timi Elšnik has been a key figure in the middle of the park for Kek’s men at Euro 2024, averaging a 7.45 match rating throughout. The 26-year-old midfielder has averaged 1.4 successful tackles per 90 while creating a chance per game, and he will need to be at his best against Portugal who have star-studded options in the centre of the pitch. 

Andraž Šporar and Benjamin Šeško play in a two-man attack for Slovenia, but they’re yet to find the back of the net. The centre-forward duo will be looking to break down a strong Portugal defence.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from Euro 2024 live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.