EURO 2024 Round of 16: Portugal vs. Slovenia

Portugal Seek Redemption Against Upstart Slovenia.

Head-to-Head Record

Portugal and Slovenia have met on three previous occasions, with Portugal winning all three matches. The most recent encounter was a friendly in 2021, which Portugal won 2-0.

Portugal's Road to the Round of 16

Portugal were heavy favorites to win their group but suffered a shock 2-0 defeat against Georgia in their second match. They bounced back with a 3-0 win over Turkey but finished second in the group behind Denmark.

Slovenia's Surprise Run

Slovenia qualified for the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams, drawing all three of their group matches against Denmark, England, and North Macedonia. They will be the underdogs against Portugal but have shown defensive resilience throughout the tournament.

Key Players

For Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo will be crucial, as he seeks his first goal of the tournament. Midfielder Vitinha, who leads Portugal in line-breaking passes, could also play a key role.

For Slovenia, midfielder Adam Gnezda Cerin will likely be tasked with stopping Vitinha, having made the most high-intensity pressures in the group stage. Striker Benjamin Šeško will be looking to make his mark on the tournament.

Prediction

According to pre-match simulations, Portugal have a 67% chance of winning the match, with Slovenia given just a 19.6% chance of causing an upset. A draw, which would take the game to extra time, is predicted in 13.4% of scenarios.

The Bad Tackle

I see a stubborn Slovenia putting up a gallant stand. Driven by adrenaline, they will try to frustrate their opponents and take any chance that they get at goal. How long they can sustain it? We'll see.

The loss to Georgia was an anomaly. I don't Believe it one bit. Portugal is too strong and complete to have gone down that way. At the knockout stages, it will be different. All the chips are on the table. It's win or go home.