Portugal vs Czechia: Three key battles that could decide Euro 2024 clash

Cristiano Ronaldo and Co are ready to light up the competition.

In light of their qualification performance, Portugal are clear favourites in this match. Even though they recently suffered a 2-1 loss to Croatia, the Portuguese are coming into Euro 2024 fresh off a 3-0 friendly match victory over Ireland.

Czechia, on the other hand, have also been winning their last five games scoring sixteen goals, seven of which came against Malta. They have scored in each of their last seven games.

Both sides will have players who could decide the game. Let’s take a look at three key battles that could heavily impact the final outcome of this Group F fixture.

Three key battles that may decide Portugal vs Czechia Euro 2024 clash

3. Vladimir Coufal vs Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo is among the favourites to win the Golden Boot at the UEFA Euro 2024. His streak of over 20 years scoring goals for the national team is likely to be extended with a goal against the upcoming opponents.

However, because ageing has caught up to him, the striker will not be at his peak and will not be as agile and predatory in the box. Vladimir Coufal will need to play well in this match to keep Ronaldo out of dangerous spots in the box. For the Czechia defence, the West Ham defender will be essential.

Also read: Portugal predicted lineup for Euro 2024 opener against Czechia; Cristiano Ronaldo to lead the line

2. Tomas Soucek vs Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes, the leader of Manchester United, will be crucial to his nation’s chances this summer. The 29-year-old was essential to his Portugal‘s success in the qualifying round, contributing seven assists and six goals to help them win their group and advance with a flawless record. On June 18, Fernandes hopes to bring that form to Germany and help his team start Euro 2024 with a win against Ivan Hašek’s team.

Tomas Soucek, the defensive midfielder of Czechia, will be ready to lessen Fernandes’s threat. The Hammers’s midfielder is accustomed to playing against the United player and can do one or two things to prevent him from creating any clear-cut scoring opportunities.

1. Patrick Schick vs Pepe

When Patrick Schick takes the pitch against Portugal in Euro 2024, he will be primed to demonstrate his abilities. Schick was a prominent performer in Euro 2020 and shared the Golden Boot with Ronaldo. However, Pepe, a 41-year-old combative defender from Portugal who hopes to start in the Selecao’s opening match, will go up against the striker.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.