Portugal vs Czech Republic Prediction & Betting Tips (18 June)

Portugal has known prosperous times with big names such as Eusebio, Rui Costa, Figo, Pauleta without forgetting a very young Cristiano Ronaldo in 2004 defeat in the final against Greece but it was in 2016 that he opened his trophy cabinet. The Lusitanian selection defied the predictions at the Stade de France by winning the Euro against France thanks to a goal from Eder in extra time 0-1. That year, the Portuguese had recorded three draws in the group stage but had qualified via the best 3rds, like the Ivory Coast last February at the CAN. For this Euro 2024, the Selecão is advancing as one of the favorites for the grail following the takeover of Roberto Martinez and above all, its incredible qualifying campaign punctuated by a perfect 10 victories in 10 matches. Let us remember, however, that Ronaldo's teammates remain in considerable trouble at the 2022 World Cup, eliminated in the quarter-final by Morocco. Last March, Portugal showed two faces in a friendly with a big success against Sweden 5-2 but also an unexpected defeat in Slovenia 2-0. Subsequently, they scared themselves against Finland 4-2 by displaying great defensive generosity and they suffered another setback against Croatia 1-2 last weekend. Roberto Martinez's men, on the other hand, were able to raise their heads during a final rehearsal played against Ireland last Tuesday 3-0.

Winner of the Euro in 1976, the Czech Republic has never been crowned since and has even suffered a defeat in the final at Euro 96 against Germany. During the last edition, the Czechs had a wonderful run under the leadership of a sparkling Patrik Schick, author of 5 goals in 5 matches. 5 matches is the equivalent of a quarter-final and it was at this stage of the competition that the Czech Republic was eliminated in a 1-2 defeat against Denmark. In a group made up of five teams during the qualifiers for Euro 2024, the 39th nation in the latest FIFA rankings took 2nd place behind Albania who finished with the same number of points. During the last meeting, the Czech Republic gained confidence in a friendly with successes acquired in Norway 1-2 and against Armenia 2-1. She then had fun against Malta 7-1 before experiencing more difficulties to overcome North Macedonia, at the very end of the match, last Monday 2-1.

For Portugal, we must mention the loss of the interesting left-back Guerreiro (Bayern Munich, 65 sel). The former Lorient player was therefore not summoned. Furthermore, the coach decided to do without the services of midfielders Renato Sanches (Roma, 32 sel) and winger Bruma (Braga, 2 goals in 12 sel). Terrible news concerning Otavio (previously summoned) who was seriously injured and who will miss the competition. Matheus Nunes (City) replaces him. On the other hand, we note the presence of legends Pepe (Porto (41 years old, Porto, 136 sel) and Cristiano Ronaldo (39 years old, Al Nassr, 130 goals in 207 sel). CR7 has been enjoying himself since he arrived in Saudi Arabia and has also shone during qualifying for Euro 2024 with 10 goals The form of CR7, forfeited for the first 2 preparation matches, was worrying but he set the record straight by scoring a double against Ireland last week. He should therefore have made the difference in the competition with Gonçalo Ramos (PSG, 8 goals in 12 seasons) who overshadowed him during the 2022 World Cup. Portugal has one of the best squads in the world. the competition We find in particular the defenders Ruben Dias (Manchester City, 56 sel) and Joao Cancelo (Barcelona, ​​10 goals in 53 sel), the midfielders Vitinha (PSG, 16 sel), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United, 22 goals in).

66 sel, author of a double against Finland) and Bernardo Silva (Manchester City, 11 goals in 889 sel) or the attackers Joao Felix (Barcelona, ​​7 goals in 38 sel), Diogo Jota (Liverpool, 14 goals in 38 sel) and Rafael Leao (AC Milan, 4 goals in 26 sel). For the Czech Republic, we note the recent and unfortunate withdrawal of Twente midfielder Michal Sadilek (23 caps). The latter was injured last weekend during a bike ride. Present during the March gathering, defenders Zeleny (Sparta Prague, 10 sel) and Gabriel (Midtjylland, 1 sel) were not called up for the Euro. This is also the case for midfielder Kral (Union Berlin, 39 sel), winger Masopust (Slavia Prague, 34 sel) and striker Cvancara (Mönchengladbach, 1 goal in 6 sel). Particularly prominent during the last Euro where he finished top scorer, striker Patrik Schick (Leverkusen, 19 goals in 38 seasons) should once again constitute the major offensive asset of the selection and he also scored during the last match against North Macedonia. Also watch out for Chytil (Slavia Prague, 6 goals in 14 games). The young attacking midfielder Adam Hlozek (Leverkusen, 2 goals in 32 sels) is also present as are the West Ham players Coufal (42 sels) and Soucek (12 goals in 69 sels), the defender Zima (Slavia Prague, 21 sels) and attacking midfielders Barak (Fiorentina, 10 goals in 41 games) and Cerny (Wolfsburg, 16 games, 6 goals).