Prediction, Odds & Betting Tips for Portugal vs. Slovenia at EURO 2024
Prediction, Odds & Betting Tips for Portugal vs. Slovenia at EURO 2024
The Portuguese unit won its group and now proceeds to the knockout stage, where Slovenia awaits them in the Round of 16. Selecao is one of the dark horses to win the title, while Slovenia didn’t show anything special but managed to stay unbeaten and advance from its assembly. Portugal’s attack will be tested heavily here because Slovenia plays defensive-minded football.
Portugal
The Selecao lost to Georgia in the last round of the group stage, and even though it didn’t affect their position, with the team already securing No.1, it made Ronaldo and the boys furious. Especially Cristiano, who doesn’t like calculating but always aims for a victory. But that won’t matter if Portugal beats Slovenia.
After three straight wins in which they’ve netted at least two goals, this is Selecao’s first failure. On the other hand, this is the fifth consecutive event this unit played with moderate efficiency, meaning two or three hits.
Portugal’s EURO qualifiers have been fantastic. The team posted all ten wins, scored 36 times, and allowed just two hits. It is one of the most confident campaigns in the championship’s history.
Slovenia
The team from the West Balkans has four consecutive ties and hasn’t lost for the past nine meetings. Throughout that span, they had four victories, and we need to add that a vast majority of those events were moderately efficient, that is, two or three goals—seven of nine.
Their football is utterly dull and lacks creativity or flair, but in the end, it provides results that satisfy the fans and the head coach, Matjaz Kek. He knows that the team is limited and that apart from Benjamin Sesko, one of the most talented strikers in the world, there aren’t any star players.
Defending is Slovenia’s primary mode of play. All the players are behind the ball and try to hit the rival on a counterattack. However, we have to add that even though they rarely create chances, the Slovenians have pretty decent finishing overall.
Portugal: Costa; Pepe, Dias, Mendes; Dalot, Fernandes, Vitinha, Cancelo; Bernardo, Ronaldo, Leao
Slovenia: Oblak; Karnicnik, Brekalo, Bijol, Horvat; Mlakar, Elsnik, Cerin, Stojanovic; Sporar, Sesko
On March 26 this year, the two sides played in Ljubljana, and the Slovenian unit beat the heavily favored guests 2-0. Gnezda Cerin and Elsnik scored for the hosts in the 72nd and 80th minutes of play, respectively.
Portugal is motivated to win this event for two reasons: to get even for the previous loss and to continue its quest for the continental title. We strongly believe this unit has what it takes to beat the strong and rigid Slovenians. When we look at the entire picture, compare the two teams, and include all the other factors, we can’t pick anything other than Selecao’s triumph.
Our verdict: Portugal wins