Football prediction Portugal vs Slovakia: Ronaldo returns

Portugal need just three more points to secure a place in the EURO 2024 finals. With their form under coach Roberto Martinez, this task is within reach of the 2016 European champions.

Ronaldo returned after missing the last match due to a suspension. The 38-year-old superstar is still an important factor for the home team, completely dispelling doubts about his ability to maintain his peak after a disappointing 2022 World Cup. Ronaldo has 5 goals in 5 appearances in the EURO 2024 qualifiers.

Ronaldo returns after being banned from playing due to "suspension".

A key factor in Ronaldo’s continued place in the Portugal team is the right system. Martinez has found ways to exploit the positions around him more effectively. Portugal have more attacking options, not relying on getting the ball to Ronaldo, and the striker has benefited from that.

At 38, Ronaldo cannot rush into a circle of defenders or constantly move to find space. The Portuguese team has other players who know how to create breakthroughs, enough to make the opposing defense unable to focus on "killing" Ronaldo.

Besides Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes is in good form, Diogo Jota is also back in top form after injury, giving coach Martinez more options in attack. The home team has the strongest squad in this match.

No team in Group J has scored against Portugal. Besides the smooth play of Ronaldo and his teammates, one of the reasons why Portugal have an easy time is because of the weak level of their opponents. The EURO 2016 champions are completely superior to the rest of the group.

Slovakia - currently second in the group after six matches - are perhaps the team most likely to cause Portugal trouble. In the first leg, coach Martinez's team had to work very hard to win against this opponent thanks to a goal from Bruno Fernandes.

Slovakia's defense is not easy to penetrate. The team has only conceded 2 goals in the EURO 2024 qualifiers and kept 4 clean sheets in 6 matches. Winning away from home may seem a bit of a dream, but Slovakia has the basis to confidently aim for 1 point.