Slovenia will take on a Portugal side who will have an eye on UEFA Euro 2024 on Tuesday night at Stadion Stozice.
European giants Portugal will put their 11-game winning streak on the line when they take on Slovenia on Tuesday night.
Roberto Martinez is yet to experience anything but victory as the Portugal boss and will be keen to build momentum as we near the summer’s Euros. While A Selecao will face tougher opponents, a trip to Slovenia will serve as a test of mettle and help Portugal rotate their squad.
The Iberians thrashed Sweden 5-2 last time around, while Slovenia were held to a 2-2 draw against Malta. Matjaz Kek’s men are preparing for their nation’s first European Championships since 2000 and will be keen to make the most of it. With time running out, they will be keen to build up momentum, and defeating Portugal will certainly be a confidence booster.
With friendlies against Armenia and Bulgaria to come before the Euros opener against Denmark, Portugal is Slovenia’s biggest test before the tournament proper. Drawn in a group that contains Denmark, England and Serbia, it is imperative that Kek gets his men in proper shape for the challenge.
Portugal have not lose a non competitive game sine 2018 and as things stand, even in a weakened state will go into the clash against Slovenia a favourites. Both sides are likely to have an eye on the bigger picture on the night. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up for the game and their tactics.
Team News & Tactics
Slovenia
Matjaz Kek is likely to play his strongest side on the night against one of the favourites for the upcoming Euros. The home side are likely to set up in a 4-4-2 formation with Jan Oblak in goal. The Atletico Madrid man is among the best shot stoppers in world football and could be in line for a busy night. He could also come up against his former nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo.
Oblak should be protected by the back four of Jure Balkovec, Jaka Bijol, Vanja Drkusic and Petar Stojanovic. Jasmin Kurtic and Adam Gnezda Cerin should hold the fort in the middle of the park, with Tomi Horvat and Jan Mlakar providing the width.
Benjamin Sesko is one of the best young strikers in world football and will hope to score for the second game in a row. He is likely to be partnered alongside Andraz Sporar.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Oblak; Balkovec, Bijol, Drkusic, Stojanovic; Mlakar, Kurtic, Cerin, Horvat; Sesko, Sporar
Portugal
The Iberian giants have been excellent under Roberto Martinez in the run-up to this summer’s UEFA Euro 2024. However, there is still work to be done, especially if they are to go all the way in the tournament.
A Selecao saw off Sweden by a scoreline of 5-2 on Friday night with minimal fuss. While they looked irresistible going forward, the fragilities at the back remain a cause for concern. Martinez is set to rotate his squad around, with the likes of Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Joao Palhinha, Nelson Semedo, Toti Gomes, Rafael Leao, Bruno Fernandes and Goncalo Ramos expected to be rested.
However, it is a testament to the talent at his disposal that the Portuguese boss can now bring in players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Dalot, Joao Cancelo, Danilo Pereira, Otavio, Ruben Neves, Vitinha and Joao Felix. With just four games left before Portugal kick off Euro 2024 against the Czech Republic, time is running out for Martinez to select his final roster.
Despite the changes, Martinez is expected to retain his 4-3-3 formation, with Rui Patricio in goal. He should be protected by the backline of Diogo Dalot, Pepe, Antonio Silva and Joao Cancelo. The trio of Danilo, Ruben Neves and Vitinha should hold the fort in the middle of the park, while Otavio, Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix should lead the frontline.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Patricio; Dalot, Pepe, A Silva, Cancelo; Danilo, Ruben Neves, Vitinha; Otavio, Ronaldo, Felix
Key Stats
- Roberto Martinez has a 100 per cent win rate as Portugal’s boss.
- Portugal will make it 12 wins on the spin should they defeat Slovenia on Tuesday.
- This is the first-ever meeting between Portugal and Slovenia at the senior level.
- Slovenia have lost just two of their last five games.
- Portugal have not lost a non competitive game since 2018.
Player to Watch
Cristiano Ronaldo
The footballing legend’s powers are on the wane, and the Euros could be his final major international tournament should he decide to call it quits anytime soon. The most prolific goalscorer in Portuguese football history, Ronaldo certainly adds quality up front for Martinez’s side.
The Al-Nassr ace is very aware of his image and will be keen to stay relevant. While his spot for the Euros should be more or less secure, Ronaldo will be keen to remind everyone that he remains the top dog in modern football.
Prediction
Slovenia 1-2 Portugal
Slovenia should prove to be dogged opponents, especially at home. However, despite making several changes, Portugal have an overwhelming upper hand when it comes to quality. With Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. set to make a difference, the visitors should be expected to continue their winning streak under Roberto Martinez.
