Portugal bring the first round of UEFA Euro 2024 group matches to a close with a Group F clash against Czech Republic.
Victory would see Portugal or Czech Republic go top depending upon the result of Turkey’s clash against Georgia in the teatime kick-off.
Team News
Portugal have no fresh injury concerns to report with Jose Sa, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Diogo Jota amongst recognisable names in the squad.
Czech Republic also have no injury issues with West Ham’s Vladimir Coufal and Tomas Soucek amongst players available for selection.
When is Kick-Off?
Portugal face Czech Republic at Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, at 9pm CEST (8pm UK Time) on Tuesday 18 June, live on BBC1 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Portugal have won two of their three previous meetings against Czech Republic at European Championship (W2, L1).
- Czech Republic won their sole previous Euro clash against Portugal by a 1-0 result when played as designated away team in Euro 1996 (W1).
- Two of Portugal’s three previous Euro clashes against Czech Republic were settled by 1-0 results.
- Portugal’s Diogo Jota has scored in two of his last three appearances.
- Czech Republic are yet to keep a clean sheet in 2024 (W4).
Prediction
Despite having topped their Qualifying group with a 100% record, Portugal seem to have dropped the ball defensively this year with one clean sheet in their five games but they do have a great depth of attacking firepower to get a result here.
Czech Republic meanwhile lost just one game in their Qualifying group and are in strong attacking form despite keeping no clean sheets this year, but they do have their own strong firepower who certainly won’t make this easy for Portugal.
In fact I do feel that this will either be a goal fest of attacking football or a tight cagey contest and a draw might well be the fairest result.
Prediction: Portugal 1-1 Czech Republic
Result: Portugal 2-1 Czech Republic
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