Portugal vs. Slovenia Preview: Live Odds, Ronaldo Props, & Analysis


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Portugal vs. Slovenia Preview: Live Odds, Ronaldo Props, & Analysis

Portugal (-290) will attempt to reignite its Euro 2024 campaign when it takes on Slovenia (+1000) in the Round of 16 on Monday. Roberto Martínez’s team secured a place in the knockout stage after beating the Czech Republic and Turkey to start the tournament. However, Martínez rested key players on Matchday 3, and Portugal suffered a chastening 2-0 defeat to Georgia, so the players will be keen to bounce back quickly.

Slovenia is a major underdog for this game, but these players have reveled in that status so far at Euro 2024. They were the underdogs in all three of their group stage games, but they managed to draw with Denmark, Serbia, and England. The Slovenians were rewarded with a place in the Round of 16, which is a big deal for the country. Slovenia has never previously reached the knockout stage of an international soccer tournament, and the players will now try to extend their unbeaten run against Portugal. Full Euro odds and betting info are below. 

Portugal vs. Slovenia odds & lines

Portugal vs. Slovenia player props

Portugal may need to provide Ronaldo with better service to win

There are several world-class players on Portugal’s squad, including Rúben Dias, Bernardo Silva, and Bruno Fernandes. However, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the star of the show. He is now 39 years old, but Portugal’s captain shows no signs of retiring any time soon.

Ronaldo has scored 130 goals in 210 games for Portugal, making him the all-time leading scorer in international soccer. However, he failed to find the back of the net in all three of Portugal’s group stage games. Ronaldo has adapted his game in recent years, evolving into a predatory striker who thrives off high-quality balls into the box. He did not receive the right level of service from his teammates in previous games at this tournament, so they may need to fix that on Monday.

Slovenia’s path to victory likely includes Oblak

The Slovenians have a world-class player of their own in Jan Oblak. The Atlético Madrid goalkeeper is renowned for his shot-stopping ability, his smooth handling, and his impeccable control of his area. He is widely regarded as the world’s best goalkeeper, and he has been excellent so far at this tournament.

Slovenia conceded just twice in the group stage, and Oblak kept a clean sheet against England on Matchday 3. He could be busy on Monday, as he tries to thwart this star-studded Portuguese attack. Oblak has engaged in several battles with Ronaldo over the years, as they represented rival clubs in Madrid, and it will be fascinating to see them go head to head once again.

Portugal expected starting 11

Martínez rested most of his star players against Georgia, and they will now be fresh for this Round of 16 clash. Porto’s Diogo Costa will start in goal. The manager has experimented with two formations at this tournament, but he typically prefers a 3-4-3 approach. If he goes with that on Monday, we could see Nuno Mendes, Pepe, and Rúben Dias in defense, with Diogo Dalot and João Cancelo as wing-backs.

Vitinha sits alongside Bruno Fernandes in midfield, and Martínez typically selects Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leão on either side of Cristiano Ronaldo in attack. That means the likes of João Félix and Diogo Jota would stay on the bench. Alternatively, the manager may slot Cancelo into a back four, with João Palinha coming into the midfield and Fernandes playing as a No. 10 behind Ronaldo.

Slovenia expected starting 11

Slovenia boss Matjaž Kek will probably stick with the team that held England to a 0-0 draw last time out. That would Jan Oblak will start in goal, with Erik Janža, Jaka Bijol, Vanja Drkušić, and Žan Karničnik on defense.

Kek likes to set his team up in a 4-4-2, with Jan Mlakar, Adam Čerin, Timi Elšnik, and Peter Stojanović in midfield. Benjamin Šeško and Andraž Šporar will start up front. Šeško is still searching for his first goal at this tournament, and it will be interesting to see him go up against Dias and Pepe.

Photo by Associated Press