Portugal face Slovenia in the Euro 2024 last 16 with Cristiano Ronaldo hoping to open his account and guide the Selecao into the quarter-finals.
Roberto Martinez’s side are one of the favourites in Germany and a last-eight tie with France or Belgium awaits the winner of thisintriguing tie in Dusseldorf. The Selecao must bounce back after a shock loss to Georgia in their final group stage match, but after resting most of his strongest XI, Martinez can call upon a fresh and talented group here, with Ronaldo still to find his best form in the tournament.
Slovenia squeezed through England’s group in third place and will lean on the firepower of Red Bull Salzburg forward Benjamin Sesko here.
Follow all the build-up and team news from Portugal v Slovenia in Frankfurt below.
Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 8 minutes
A rare poor touch in front of goal from Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal inject tempo for the first time and Rafael Leao’s cute pass appears to have teed up the veteran striker. A heavy touch takes him too close to the retreating defence, and Jan Oblak is, in the end, not troubled by a shot with Ronaldo squeezed out.
Harry Latham-Coyle1 July 2024 20:10
Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 7 minutes
Vanja Drkusic pushes up on to Bruno Fernandes, though clips the Manchester United midfielder’s heels as he tries to force a tackle. Portugal are thus able to load the box, but Vitinha overcooks his delivery and Pepe is unable to hook it back into play.
Harry Latham-Coyle1 July 2024 20:08
Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 5 minutes
Fired wide by Ruben Dias! The corner comes all the way through to the centre half at the back stick, but a nasty kick off this sometime problematic Frankfurt surface sends the ball off its predicted path. Dias’ left-footed swing at it thus sends it several yards wide.
Harry Latham-Coyle1 July 2024 20:06
Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 3 minutes
A bouncing ball is hacked forward by Nuno Mendes, and the left-back keeps on rumbling, haring after his own touch. The next one is untidier still, and Jan Oblak claims in comfort.
That’s more purposeful from Portugal, though, Bruno Fernandes producing a whipped delivery that Zan Karnicnik turns behind with Rafael Leao in close attention.
Harry Latham-Coyle1 July 2024 20:05
Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 2 minutes
Benjamin Sesko barges into the back of Joao Palhinha, sending the midfielder thudding into the deck. Portugal find their passing flow for the first time, but Slovenia monitor their movements sharply.
Harry Latham-Coyle1 July 2024 20:03
Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 1 minute
Nothing obviously unexpected from either side as they feel their way into the contest, Slovenia settling in their 4-4-2, Portugal with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line and Bruno Fernandes in behind.
Harry Latham-Coyle1 July 2024 20:02
KICK OFF!
Referee Daniele Orsato brings the whistle to his lips and we are underway in Frankfurt!
Harry Latham-Coyle1 July 2024 20:01
Portugal vs Slovenia
Righty ho, here we go. Extra time and penalties are (of course) available if required, though you fancy this might be done in 90 minutes.
Harry Latham-Coyle1 July 2024 19:59
Portugal vs Slovenia
Out the players come, Cristiano Ronaldo practicing a spring or two as he gets some energy into his legs. He and Pepe flank goalkeeper Diogo Costa at the end of the Portuguese line as the pair sing the national anthem for the 211th and 140th time respectively.
Slovenia, remember, are making their first apperance in the knockout stages of a major competition. Can they cause a shock?
Harry Latham-Coyle1 July 2024 19:56
Portugal vs Slovenia
Kick off rapidly approaching in Frankfurt. It’s an Italian officiating team tonight led by referee Daniele Orsato, who will have VAR Massimiliano Irrati in his ear if required.
Harry Latham-Coyle1 July 2024 19:52