Portugal is set to start their own Euro 2024 campaign against the Czech Republic. The game will kick off at 8 pm CET on the 18th. Roberto Martinez’s side will feature in Group F against the likes of Turkey, and Georgia.
A supposedly fairly easy group for Portugal. However, with shockers arising from Belgium losing out to Slovakia. Alongside France and England struggling to win against Austria and Serbia respectively. This will ring a strong alert in the minds of the Portuguese that there are no cakewalks.
Roberto Martinez will possibly set out his best team. With their football icon, Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line.
Czech on the other end will be preparing to shock Portugal. Their coach Ivan Hasek will be setting up formidable tactics to contain the Portuguese. He’ll also be hoping the likes of Patrick Shick and Thomas Soucek will step into the areas where maturity and experience are needed in the game.
Team Portugal
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Portugal is known to be one of the most star-studded teams in the Euro Tournament. Whilst alongside England, they have a vast array of stars and qualities in all positions.
Also, a lot of expectations are on them to perform excellently in the tournament. Making them the tournament favorites.
Roberto Martinez will have a lot of work in the aspect of selection. Although he has been previously experienced in the Belgium job. Where the Belgian side had the best side they’ve ever had in history. However, the work won’t be easy for him.
Their match against check will be the first test for Portugal. Also a test on the players he might stick with throughout the tournament. Nevertheless, there are some probable players he might stick with all through.
Their all-time goal scorer, who is also their Skipper, Cristiano Ronaldo. Manchester United Star Bruno Fernandes, Manchester City stars Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias.
Possible lineup
Roberto Martinez hopes to start his best lineup against the Czech
Rui Patricio: Nelson Semedo, Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio, Cancelo : Joao Palhinha, Bernado Silva, Bruno Fernandes: Joao Felix, Diogo, Jota
Team Czech
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Czechia are known to be the underdogs of this European Tournament. However, they are not to be undermined. They possess the likes of Bayern Leverkusen star Patrick Shick and also Westham star Tomas Soucek.
Their Coach Ivan Hasek also opened up about their chances and plans against the Portuguese side
He initially spoke about Roberto Martinez as a coach
We know very well about the success Martinez has had with his tactic of a three-man defense – for example, with Belgium. We are ready to react to any tactical changes right from the first minute. We have made our players aware of that option.
Talked about his team’s chances
We wish to stay in the tournament for as long as possible. The first match does not decide it, but we face a tremendous favorite. I am only glad that all of my 26 players are fit and ready to play; all of them have a chance to get into the action.
Ha also spoke about Ronaldo,
We know about Cristiano Ronaldo, but I want us to say after the game not that we played against him, but that we beat him,” the Czech manager said. “We are going to play against a team with one of the best players in the history of football, [so] it is always a special day. Many teams have failed to prevent Ronaldo from scoring, but we will try our best to achieve it.”
And added,
“It’s not just about Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, there is also Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao, and many more. They have great quality both upfront and at the back,” Hašek added. “We will not underestimate them. We know about their qualities, but we also want to focus on our team.”
Predictions
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It’s expected for Portugal to outshine the Czech Republic. Nonetheless, the game isn’t expected to be as easy as it seems.
The Czech Republic has what it takes to hurt the Portuguese when they are with the ball. A major strategy Ivan Hasek will want to utilize is set pieces. Czechs are known to have tall and aerially dominant players. It will be a plus for them and trouble for Portugal. However, A solid defense will be something key and non-negotiable for Czechia.
Portugal on the other will try to exert dominance in the middle and maintain discipline at the back. Roberto Martinez will require patience from his side. To break the Czech side. Also, they’ll lean on Ronaldo’s brilliance in taking any slightest opportunity he grasps his hands on.
About the Author
Ifeoluwa King is a lover of football and also a sports enthusiast. He’s been a football fan for 20 years. Pick any topic in the world of football and sports, and you’ll find him there. For more information about him and more of his awesome content, you can visit his X (Twitter) handle: @kng7.
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