Portugal predicted lineup for Slovenia clash in Euro 2024

Cristiano and Co remain the favourites for the quarter-final spot.

Portugal haven’t been at their best in the tournament, failing to maintain consistency. Despite this, Roberto Martinez’s team finished the group stage as winners. Portugal won their two opening matches with an extra-time victory over Czechia and a dominant display against Turkey.

They have the quality in their squad to take on any opponent in the competition. They face a difficult route to the final and will meet either France or Belgium if they secure a win here. With Cristiano Ronaldo in the squad, you can never write them off.

Portugal predicted lineup (Formation: 4-2-3-1) 

GK: Diogo Costa

Diogo Costa has been a regular under Roberto Martinez who has shown trust in him to lead the nation. He has justified the selection by making some impressive saves so far. He has kept a clean sheet against Turkey where he made some wonderful saves to deny them from scoring a goal. Diogo Costa brings composure to the goal, often directing instructions to the backline to keep their shape. 

RB: Joao Cancelo

Joao Cancelo is one of the versatile players in the squad who can play several positions in the defense. After deputising in the left wing-back role in the opening matches, he will aim to make a start in his favoured right-back role. Cancelo created three chances for the team in the opening matches while putting an all-round display at the back. He finished the group stage with 13 recoveries, winning 8 duels and making a crucial block to deny a goal. 

CB: Ruben Dias

Ruben Dias has been one of the best performers for the national team over the years. He is a calm and composed defender who displays incredible passing range. He maintained a 93.1% passing accuracy in the whole group stage while making some crucial blocks and tackles at the back. Dias finished the group stage with one interception, four recoveries, and winning nine duels. 

CB: Pepe

Pepe is the most experienced defender in the Portugal national team setup after making over 139 appearances for them since breaking into the side in 2007. He is still not showing any sign of slowing down after impressing in the opening matches. Pepe has maintained a 94.5 % passing accuracy so far while also making three accurate long balls. Pepe has 3 tackles to his name while making 1 interception, and 15 recoveries. 

LB: Nuno Mendes 

The PSG man was rested in the last match after playing a crucial role in the opening matches. His performance so far has been top-notch after filling as a left-sided centre-back in the opening match. Mendes is known for his tenacious industry as he does both the job effectively. While helping out his attackers, he also is one of the best one-on-one defenders in the squad. Mendes has won 16 duels, and 3 tackles and made two vital interceptions in the opening two matches. 

CM: Vitinha

Vitinha is probably one of the most technical players in the Portugal team. He keeps things simple and tidy in the middle of the park while controlling the tempo of the game. Vitinha has created three chances in the opening two matches while attempting three shots on target. Vitinha also made a crucial block while helping the defensive unit by making 17 recoveries from the opening two matches. 

CM: Joao Palhinha

Probably the more destructive of the two, Palhinha is known for his tenacious industry in the middle of the park. He is most effective when given the license to play freely. Palhinha has developed an excellent performance with Vitinha with the duo complementing each other very well. In the last match against Georgia, he made some vital last-ditch tackles to stop their counterattack. With Slovenia playing on the counter, he will be tasked to stop their attackers from having any chance. 

RW: Bernardo Silva

Bernardo Silva opened his account against Turkey with a well-taken goal after being found out by Nuno Mendes via a deflection. Silva is a technically sound player who is excellent on the ball and can break the opposition’s tight line with his passes. He has the vision and ability to score goals and create chances for the team. After guiding Manchester City to the Premier League, he will be aiming to help the team to win this match. 

AM: Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes is a vital player due to his ability to play the link-up role between defence and attack. He opened his account against Turkey after Cristiano Ronaldo presented himself with an easy tap-in to score. Bruno Fernandes is also dangerous from the edge of the box as he possesses the ability to score some outrageous goals. While doing the attacking part effectively, he also helps the team defensively. 

LW: Rafael Leao

Rafael Leao showed some early promise in the opening two matches. He made some encouraging runs with the ball but has to improve his end product. With Slovenia maintaining a low block, he could prove to be the difference in this match. Leao also does his defensive duties excellently by winning one tackle and two aerial duels. After an incredible season with AC Milan, it’s time for him to shine for the national team. 

ST: Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably one of the best players in the world who has dominated world football over the years. Ronaldo broke the record for the most appearances in a major while also making the most number of assists in the history of the competition. Despite failing to score in the group stage, he has shown signs of not stopping. He could have scored against Turkey but made the pass to Bruno Fernandes for a tap-in. He now is aiming to score his first goal of the tournament to send Portugal to the quarterfinals. 

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