Slovenia aim for history as Portugal bank on their attacking potency to progress to the semi final

Slovenia aim for history as Portugal bank on their attacking potency to progress to the semi final

Eric Munene 08:07 - 01.07.2024

Portugal will rely on their attacking potency to progress although Slovenia cannot be ruled out as they aim for history.

On July 1st, 2024, Portugal will face Slovenia at 22:00 CET in what promises to be a compelling Euro 2024 Round of 16 clash at a venue yet to be disclosed.

Portugal, buoyed by a last-minute victory against the Czech Republic and a commanding 3-0 win over Turkey, started their campaign on a high note, clinching the top spot in Group F despite a 2-0 loss to Georgia in their final group stage match.

Manager Roberto Martínez utilized the opportunity to rotate his squad, preserving their perfect record of reaching the knockout stages in European competitions.

However, Slovenia poses a formidable challenge, having defeated Portugal 2-0 earlier under Martínez’s tenure and securing their first-ever knockout stage appearance with a resilient 0-0 draw against England.

Matjaž Kek’s side boasts an impressive unbeaten run in 2024, extending to eight matches (W3, D5) since their last defeat to Denmark in November 2023.

While draws have characterized Slovenia's recent outings, including five in their Euro 2024 campaign, their resilience and determination cannot be understated, especially with an 83% draw ratio in the tournament's history - the highest among all teams.

For Portugal, redemption looms large as they aim to avenge their early exit in the 2020 edition of the tournament at this very stage.

With a talented squad led by stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix, Portugal's attacking prowess will be critical against Slovenia's resolute defense.

The match sets the stage for a clash of styles and strategies, with Portugal relying on their experience and pedigree in major tournaments, while Slovenia seeks to continue their fairy-tale run with another upset.

The winner will advance to face the victor of the France vs Belgium encounter, setting up a potentially blockbuster quarter-final showdown.

As anticipation builds for this Round of 16 showdown, fans can expect a fiercely contested battle at the heart of Euro 2024.

Both teams have shown resilience and determination, making this fixture a must-watch for football enthusiasts worldwide.

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