Portugal vs Czech Republic Euro 2024 Prediction: Can the former champions start with a bang? | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo makes a sixth European Championship tournament appearance when Portugal begins their Euro 2024 campaign against the Czech Republic.

Portugal vs Czech Republic Euro 2024 Prediction: Can the former champions start with a bang?

Portugal vs Czech Republic Latest Prediction

A disappointing quarter-final exit at World Cup 2022 concluded the reign of Fernando Santos, who had won Portugal’s first major international title when they won Euro 2016 at host France’s expense. His successor, Roberto Martinez, had no such luck when presiding over Belgium’s ‘golden generation’ with a bronze medal at World Cup 2018, his best result. However, things have been going smoothly since the former Wigan boss assumed these newfound duties.

He will be content with Portugal drawn into Group F alongside Turkey, debutant Georgia and the Czech Republic, who can now count on Ivan Hašek to lead them after long-serving boss Jaroslav Šilhavý left his post after guiding them to this summer’s tournament. Considering their recent form, the Portuguese start as overwhelming favourites. They could start with a rout with a score of 3-0 in their favour, demonstrating their ruthless attacking prowess and comforting those who have backed them as a tournament dark horse. Despite their talent, Portugal has not been installed among the pre-tournament favourites.

We’ll also have more tips here closer to the time, so check back closer to kick-off for our best tips and predictions.

The showdown between Portugal and the Czech Republic occurs on June 18 at Leipzig Stadium, Leipzig.

Portugal was relentless and ruthless as they finished at the top of the Euro 2024 qualifying Group J, remaining unbeaten. They registered an impressive 36 goals, averaging 3.6 goals per game, while only conceding twice. From a historical perspective, they became the eighth national side to qualify for a European Championship with a 100% record. This was the ninth instance, after France (1992 and 2004), the Czech Republic (2000), Germany, Spain (both 2012), England (2016), Italy and Belgium (both 2020). Moreover, they scored the most number of goals and conceded the least number of goals. Their lynchpin and most celebrated player, Cristiano Ronaldo, finished with ten goals, while Bruno Fernandes scored six. Additionally, the team has many high-profile players, including Diogo Jota, Bernardo Silva, and Rúben Dias, who were called upon during their successful qualification campaign.

On the other hand, the Czech Republic finished level with Albania in Euro 2024 qualifying Group E, but an inferior head-to-head record saw them finish as runners-up. They only lost one match, a 3-0 defeat against Albania on the road. They will look to Tomáš Souček, who plays for West Ham, to guide their attack.

Portugal Latest Team News

As mentioned earlier, Portugal is expected to bring a highly talented and experienced squad to Germany this summer. The team will be led by Ronaldo (39), with Pepe (41) as vice-captain. The former Real Madrid teammates have amassed more than 340 international caps. However, the squad also includes several young and energetic players, including Gonçalo Inácio and Gonçalo Ramos, both aged 23 or under, and 19-year-old Benfica midfielder João Neves, who is being touted as Portugal’s next big star. While there are some questions about Portugal’s starting lineup, Diogo Costa is expected to begin as the goalkeeper, with Bernardo Silva, Fernandes, and Ronaldo forming part of their exciting frontline.

Czech Republic Latest Team News

Unlike in previous championships, the Czech Republic are devoid of household names bar Hammers duo Vladimír Coufal and Tomáš Souček, with Patrik Schick a close third. He played a role in Bayer Leverkusen winning their first Bundesliga title, and there are several ‘Big 5’ mainstays, including midfielder Antonín Barák (Fiorentina) and defender David Jurásek (Hoffenheim), but how newly-installed head coach Hašek lines his team remains to be seen. The 60-year-old tactician has taken charge of two matches, winning both friendlies against Norway (2-1) and Armenia (2-1), but even so, the prominent hitters like Schick leading their attack with Soucek wearing the captain armband.

Portugal vs Czech Republic Head-to-Head

Three of the five previous meetings against Portugal since the Czech Republic became an independent nation have taken place under the UEFA European Championship banner, with A Seleção das Quinas winning on two occasions. Portugal is currently on a four-game winning streak, having lost that first showdown at Euro 1996, famously remembered for Karel Poborský’s exquisite chip over Vítor Baía.

How to watch Portugal vs Czech Republic Live

This showdown will be live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

Every Euro 2024 game will be shown live on either BBC or ITV, with the two platforms sharing the broadcast rights.