Euro 2024: Portugal's potential route to the final
Cristiano Ronaldo and co will be aiming to win their second Euro trophy
Portugal haven’t been at their best in the group stage, but they managed to finish as table toppers and have now advanced to the knockout stages. Cristiano and his team will be aiming to win this year’s edition after their victory in 2016.
Roberto Martinez’s team began their campaign with a narrow victory against Czechia in the first match, thanks to a late goal from Francisco Conceicao after the initial score was 1-1. They then bounced back in the next match with an impressive 3-0 win over Turkey.
However, they experienced a disappointing loss in the third match after the changes to the team didn’t come into effect. Despite this, their superior goal difference over Turkey was enough to secure their place as the group winners.
Portugal will need to step up their game to demonstrate their title credentials as they gear up to face some of the top teams on the road. They are up against a team that ended Roberto Martinez’s unbeaten streak. Now, it remains to be seen how they will prepare for this challenge.
Now, let’s take a look at the Portugal’s route to the final of the Euro 2024:
Last 16: Deutsche Bank Park Stadium, Tuesday 2 July
Portugal will take on Slovenia in the last 16
At one point, it seemed like Portugal would be up against Denmark.Nonetheless, Denmark ended up ahead of Slovenia after UEFA mentioned that a card given to their assistant coach led to them finishing third after both teams were tied on points, goals scored, and yellow cards.
Slovenia finished third in their group after three consecutive draws. They were among the best third-placed teams in the tournament as they remained undefeated throughout. It will be interesting to see if they can cause another upset to them after ending their undefeated streak under Roberto Martinez this year.
Quarter-final: Volksparkstadion, Saturday 6 July
Portugal will face either France or Belgium in the quarterfinals if they defeat Slovenia in the last 16 encounter. France, one of the favourites, finished second in their group and remained unbeaten throughout the group stage.
Meanwhile, Belgium also finished second in their group due to a better goal difference, as all four teams had the same 4 points, but the Red Devils were far from convincing in all their matches.
Also Read: Have Portugal ever won Euros in their history?
Semi-finals: Allianz Arena, Wednesday 10 July
If Portugal reach the semi-final after defeating either of these teams, there is a possibility of them facing the host team, Germany or the European powerhouse Spain in the semi-final. However, it also remains to be seen if Germany defeats Denmark in the last 16, as they should never be ruled out.
Final: Berlin, Sunday 14 July
Should Portugal succeed in defeating their opponent in the semifinals and secure their place in the final, they will face a tough opponent in the form of either Italy, England, Netherlands, or tournament surprise Austria. This would be an ideal scenario for bidding farewell to Cristiano Ronaldo, who will likely be playing in his last Euros match.
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