Portugal match schedule

Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates remain strong contenders for the title and hold the record for the most wins in the round of 16 at a major tournament. However, since lifting the European Cup in 2016, Portugal have lost three of their four knockout matches at either the EURO or the World Cup.

Can the Portuguese team (right) overcome the pressure of being the "favorites" when facing Slovenia?

After rotating the squad in the final group stage match, coach Martinez will return to some key players for the game against Slovenia, such as Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, and veteran center-back Pepe alongside Ronaldo, Vitinha, and Joao Cancelo. Martinez's biggest concern is that Ronaldo has not scored in his last seven major tournament appearances. Despite being considered far superior to their opponents in every aspect, this inadvertently puts immense pressure on Portugal.

Meanwhile, the Slovenian team will be in high spirits as they reach the knockout stage of a major tournament for the first time. Therefore, regardless of the result against Portugal, coach Matjaz Kek's team has reason to celebrate. A goalless draw with England in the final match of Group C secured Slovenia's place in the Round of 16, extending their unbeaten streak to nine matches. This is something Portugal must be very cautious about. While Slovenia only averaged 32% possession at EURO 2024 – only two teams have ever advanced from the group stage with such a low percentage – Kek is confident of causing an upset with a cohesive and well-balanced squad across all three lines, with expectations placed on goalkeeper and captain Jan Oblak, midfielder Andraz Sporar, and young striker Benjamin Sesko. Experienced coach Matjaz Kek often favors a pragmatic 4-4-2 formation, with Timi Max Elsnik and Adam Gnezda Cerin in central midfield. His only possible change might be Jure Balkovec replacing the suspended Erik Janza at left back. Against a star-studded opponent, Slovenia are determined to deliver a second shock to Portugal and "avenge" their 0-2 defeat in a friendly match at home in March.

The match between Portugal and Slovenia will take place at 2:00 AM on July 2nd.

Vietnamese player Chuong Thi Kieu: Ronaldo will help the Portuguese team advance.

Slovenia is a team not to be underestimated, having held strong opponents like England and Denmark to draws in the group stage. However, I still believe Ronaldo will shine and help Portugal advance. Ronaldo may no longer be the central figure in Portugal's playing style, but his class and experience are still invaluable in knockout matches like this. Prediction: Portugal wins 2-1.

Xiao Bao (recorded)

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/lich-thi-dau-bo-dao-nha-slovenia-den-luc-ronaldo-phai-len-tieng-185240630213507668.htm