Portugal Look to Bounce Back in Euro 2024 Last-16 Clash with Slovenia
Portugal will be aiming to rebound from their shock defeat against Euro 2024 minnows Georgia when they take on Slovenia in the tournament’s last-16 next week. Roberto Martinez’s side suffered a surprising 2-0 loss in their final Group F game, but they managed to secure top spot due to their superior head-to-head record over Turkey.
Cristiano Ronaldo and co. were among the Euro 2024 favorites, but they have struggled to find their best form so far. The Euro 2016 champions needed a late comeback to beat the Czech Republic and recorded a comfortable victory against Turkey before the unexpected loss to Georgia.
Portugal now face a tricky test against Slovenia, who held England to a goalless draw to reach the knockout stage. However, the Euro 2024 powerhouse is the heavy favorite to progress and set up a potential quarter-final showdown with either France or Belgium.
The last-16 clash will take place on Monday, July 1, at the Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm. talkSPORT will have live coverage of the match, presented by Hugh Woozencroft and featuring commentary from Joe Shennan and former Scotland striker Chris Iwelumo. The game will also be broadcast live and free-to-air on BBC One.
Ronaldo will be desperate to end his goal drought, having failed to find the net in any of Portugal’s three group-stage matches. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is hoping to reclaim his spot as the focal point of Martinez’s attack, which will be boosted by the return of Rafael Leao from suspension.
Slovenia will be playing their first-ever knockout-stage match at a major tournament (World Cup/EUROs), while this will be Portugal’s 26th such encounter. Since winning Euro 2016, however, Portugal have lost three of their four games in the knockout stages at major tournaments (W1).
With both teams eager to secure a place in the quarter-finals, this promises to be an exciting clash that could have a significant impact on the outcome of Euro 2024.
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