CRISTIANO RONALDO and Portugal face a tough start to the Euro 2024 campaign.
Roberto Martínez’s side take on the Czech Republic in their opening game of the tournament.
Portugal won the Euros back in 2016 as they beat France in the final at the Stade de France.
They failed to replicate their success in the following tournament, as Belgium sent them packing in the round of 16.
Portugal reached this year’s finals by topping Group J ahead of Slovakia and Luxembourg.
The team won all ten of their group matches, scoring 36 goals and only conceding two.
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The Euros in Germany could also be Ronaldo’s last in international football with the star now 39 years old.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner would love to add another international trophy to his esteemed trophy cabinet.
They have had a mixed bag of form leading up to the tournament.
Out of Portugal’s last five games they have won three but lost two to Croatia and Slovenia.
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However, it is a tough start to the tournament for Portugal as they face the Czech Republic.
The Czechs qualified for the Euros from Group E as runners-up behind Albania.
They are also in good form in their recent matches having won five from five, including a 7-1 drubbing of Malta.
Team news
Portugal are without Raphael Guerreiro for the tournament due to injury.
While Renato Sanches and Manchester City ace Matheus Nunes were not picked by Martinez.
The former Everton manager did opt to stand by veterans Pepe and Ronaldo with the pair expected to start the match.
The Czech’s big injury blow came to Michal Sadilek who had to pull out of the squad after falling off a bike during training.
What has been said?
Ahead of the tournament, Martinez has hailed his captain Ronaldo’s commitment to the team.
He said: “His commitment as captain is unbelievable. I really enjoyed his work.
“He shows solidarity and companionship, and they are important values in a dressing room when you’re going to the Euros.”
Czech coach Ivan Hasek is aiming to take his side as fare as possible.
He said: “I will do everything possible to take the team as far as I can in this competition but success and failure are both possible.
“I believe in our team, our players, the people around me and in our ability to create a strong, competitive team that can make it out of the group and then, come what may.
“I will be satisfied when we advance from the group stage, the fans agree that we gave it our all, and our play pleases them.
“That’s important for us. We need to pick the players that will best please our demanding audience and we will try to play football that pleases the fans.”
SunSport prediction?
Portugal 3-1 Czech Republic
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When is Portugal vs Czech Republic?
- Portugal’s opening group stage clash with Czech Republic will take place on Tuesday, June 18.
- The game will kick off at 8pm BST.
- The Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany will play host to the big clash.
What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
- Portugal vs Czech Republic will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
- You can live stream all the action from the BBC iPlayer app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
Can I watch for FREE?
- Yes, the game is available to watch for FREE, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
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Odds
- Portugal – 8/15
- Draw – 10/3
- Czech Republic – 5/1
*Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
