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

The 2016 Euro winners kick things off against Czechia.

The star-studded Portugal national football team are gearing up for their ninth appearance in the UEFA European Football Championship. The 2016 winners are placed in Group F of Euro 2024, where they will face Czechia, Turkey and Georgia.

Roberto Martínez’s men will kick off their Euro campaign against the Czechia in just a day. Portugal’s form in the last five games has blown hot & cold, with three wins (against Ireland, Finland and Sweden) and two losses (against Croatia and Slovenia).

When facing Czechia, Portugal riding on their star-packed squad will look to seal a win & gain an early lead in the group. On that note, let’s see how the Martinez-coached side would line up in their first Euro 2024 encounter:

Portugal predicted lineup for Euro 2024 opener against Czechia (Formation 4-3-3):

GK: Diogo Costa

The 1.86m goalkeeper has been the first choice of Roberto Martinez. Diogo Costa has protected Portugal’s nets throughout the European Qualifiers. Costa has to date featured in 22 games for Portugal. The FC Porto goalie has been a regular for his club, maintaining 14 clean sheets in 33 Liga Portugal appearances in 2023-24.

LB: Nuno Mendes

The young PSG left-back hasn’t got many chances in Ligue 1 this season but appeared in five Champions League games. The pacy stopper was present in the past four of five international friendlies before missing a chunk of matches for a hamstring injury.

CB: Ruben Dias

The Manchester City defender is a nightmare for the forwards. He has been a regular for Portugal and Roberto Martinez wouldn’t like to experiment with his backline in this crucial campaign opener. The Manchester City defender has always given his best for both club and country.

CB: Pepe

The veteran 41-year-old defender has been Portugal’s soul of the defence. Pepe has been serving the senior national team ever since his debut in 2007. He played in three of the last five friendlies and is expected to start against the Czechia along with Dias at the back.

Also read: Top five oldest players called up for Euro 2024

RB: Joao Cancelo

The FC Barcelona player is the best right-back for Portugal. He can protect the defence with his apt tackles and make good runs to assist the forward line. For the Czechia to do the impossible, Cancelo’s movements need to be blocked.

CDM: Joao Palhinha

The Fulham defensive midfielder has rocked the Premier League this season. Palhinha’s quality passes and off-the-ball movement will be a plus for Portugal in this game. The No. 6 has played really well in the past few European Qualifiers and international friendlies.

CDM: Joao Neves

Young Joao Neves along with the experienced Palhinha is a force to reckon with. The teenager is apt with his efficient tackles & quality passes. The youngster has impressed in his last two games against Finland and Ireland and is expected to start in the Euro campaign opener.

Also read: Portugal at UEFA Euro 2024: Full squad, preview, match schedule, venue, telecast info

CM: Bruno Fernandes

The Manchester United star is the pivot of this Portugal side. He can provide good tackles, create goal-scoring chances, assure assists and also score goals. He catering the ball to the ever-threatening forward line of Portugal is a threat to any team in the world.

He has regularly scored goals and provided assists under the new coach. Fernandes missing from the starting line-up is out of the question.

LW: Rafael Leao

The sensational left-winger is probably starting against Czechia. He has been in red-hot form for AC Milan and has always left an impact while playing for Portugal. While on the national team, he has struck four goals and five assists in just 27 matches.

RW: Bernardo Silva

Bernardo Silva along with the likes of Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Leao combined is the most lethal attack line in Euro 2024. The 29-year-old has quality dribbling skills and his habit of creating goal-scoring chances along with the perfect passes he offers is a cause of tension for the upcoming opponents.

Silva can also strike goals when needed; he has 11 in the Portuguese shirt while appearing in 89 games.

CF: Cristiano Ronaldo

Not just Portugal, but world football’s poster boy ‘Cristiano Ronaldo’ is an obvious choice upfront. Ronaldo has the most goals among active footballers in the world and fans will expect him to crush not just the Czechia but every opponent that comes in the way.

Ronaldo’s finishing attributes are the best in the world and his presence automatically makes Portugal favourites no matter what his age is. By the way, he is 39.

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