Portugal vs Slovenia Betting Odds

After a rollercoaster group stage, Portugal will look to reassert their credentials as Euro 2024 contenders when they face tournament debutants Slovenia in Frankfurt on Monday evening. 

Roberto Martinez's star-studded side cruised through their opening two matches, dispatching Czech Republic and Turkey with relative ease. However, a shock 2-0 defeat to Georgia in their final group game has raised questions about their title aspirations. Now Portugal must quickly regroup as they enter the knockout stages against a Slovenia team riding high after reaching this stage for the first time.

For Portugal, this match represents an opportunity to silence the doubters and showcase the attacking talent that makes them one of the tournament favorites. Cristiano Ronaldo will be desperate to open his Euro 2024 account after drawing blanks so far, while the creative sparks of Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva will be crucial in unlocking a stubborn Slovenian defense.

Martinez is expected to revert to his strongest lineup after heavily rotating against Georgia. That means the return of key players like Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo and Rafael Leao, who missed the last match through suspension. The Portuguese coach must decide whether to persist with the 4-2-3-1 formation that worked so effectively against Turkey or revert to a back three.

Slovenia may be Euro knockout rookies, but they have shown they are no pushovers. Matjaz Kek's well-drilled side frustrated England in a 0-0 draw to secure their progress, having also held Denmark and Ukraine to stalemates. Their defensive organization and work rate will pose a stern test for Portugal's attacking talents.

RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko provides Slovenia's main goal threat, while Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak gives them a world-class last line of defense. Kek is likely to stick with the 4-4-2 system that served Slovenia so well in the group stage, looking to frustrate Portugal and strike on the counter.

For Portugal, anything less than victory would be seen as a major disappointment given the talent at their disposal. However, Slovenia have already shown they can go toe-to-toe with Europe's elite and will relish their underdog status. 

This clash of styles between Portugal's flair and Slovenia's grit promises to be an intriguing contest. Portugal's quality should ultimately shine through, but they may need patience to break down Slovenia's stubborn resistance. Martinez's men will be eager to lay down a marker and show they remain serious contenders to lift the trophy next month.

Portugal's creative fulcrum Bruno Fernandes will look to dictate play from his attacking midfield role. However, he'll face a tough battle against Slovenia's tireless midfielder Adam Gnezda Cerin, who made more high-intensity pressures than any other player in the group stage. Whoever comes out on top in this duel could go a long way to deciding the outcome.

Portugal (4-2-3-1): Costa; Cancelo, Pepe, Dias, Mendes; Palhinha, Vitinha; B. Silva, Fernandes, Leao; Ronaldo

Slovenia (4-4-2): Oblak; Karnicnik, Bijol, Mevlja, Balkovec; Stojanovic, Gnezda Cerin, Kurtic, Mlakar; Sporar, Sesko

Prediction: Portugal 2-0 Slovenia.

Portugal's superior quality should ultimately tell over 90 minutes, but they may need to be patient against Slovenia's defensive organization. Look for the breakthrough to come in the second half before Portugal add a late second to seal their quarter-final spot.