Match Prediction: Portugal vs Czechia UEFA European Championship 2024
Portugal has a better squad now than when they were crowned the European Championships in 2016. Cristiano Ronaldo will be making his sixth Euro Championship appearance with Portugal in what should almost definitely be the 39-year-old's last major international tournament.
The Czech Republic are not an easy side, and the Portuguese will need to be at their very best to break down what is typically a solid Czech defence.
How did they qualify?
Portugal were by far the most impressive team in the Euro qualifiers, as they won all 10 of their games and had an impressive offensive and defensive record. Unlike other teams, Portugal’s group was one of the three groups in the qualifiers with six teams instead of five but they still managed a very impressive feat. Such an impressive qualifying campaign undoubtedly makes a strong statement and is likely why many consider them among the favourites to go all the way in this competition.
It wasn’t very easy for Czechia in the qualifiers, as the team faced tough competition with many strong sides in their group, but they still ended up securing second place. The Czech Republic managed to accumulate 15 points, which was enough to secure them direct qualification ahead of Poland, who had 11. They had the same number of points as Albania, the winners of the group, but Albania’s superior goal difference meant that they clinched the top spot.
Team Analysis
Roberto Martinez will play his first international tournament with Portugal and will be looking to fare better than he did with the Belgian side. Martinez has inherited a number of quality players in all areas of the field and has a relatively balanced squad. Portugal likes to play a possession-based game that helps them control the tempo and maintain their dominance on the ball. Roberto Martinez’s tactics have seemed to work well so far and the confidence of his success can potentially take them a long way in this tournament.
For Czechia, the team faces a major blow due to the recent injury of their star striker Patrik Schick, who will have to sit the entire championship out. The Czech Republic will need to rely on a game of patience and wait for their opportunity when they are in control of the ball. This means a counter-attack strategy will likely be adopted, looking to exploit any gaps left by Portugal’s errors.
Players to watch
Portugal's incredible performance can be attributed to its experienced players. Of course, nobody is more experienced than the great man himself.
- Cristiano Ronaldo: This man is incredible. He has played over 200 games for his country, and this will be his 11th tournament. At 39 years old, it will be fascinating to see if the great can still make a positive impact on his team.
Czechia's team has suffered recent blows, with injuries to players like star striker Patrik Schick and the resignation of manager Jaroslav Silhavy. It is difficult to predict how the new coach, Ivan Hasek, will organise the team, but fans have high expectations from the team captain.
- Tomas Soucek: The West Ham man will most likely guide the midfield, as he has for his club, and will aim to provide both defensive stability and occasional goals.
Prediction
This shouldn't be an easy game for Portugal. Czechia has a team full of formidable players who will all be giving their heart and soul at stopping their goal threat. We do believe, however, that this Portuguese team will eventually walk away from this game with three points in the bag.