CRISTIANO RONALDO and Portugal face a difficult start to the Euro 2024 campaign.
Roberto Martínez’s team faces the Czech Republic in the opening game of the tournament.
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Portugal won the Euros in 2016 by defeating France in the final at the Stade de France.
They were unable to repeat their success in the following tournament, as Belgium sent them away in the round of 16.
Portugal reached this year’s finals by winning Group J, ahead of Slovakia and Luxembourg.
The team won all ten group stage matches, scoring 36 goals and conceding just two.
The Euros in Germany could also be Ronaldo’s last in international football, with the star now 39.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner would love to add another international trophy to his cherished trophy case.
They had a mixed form before the tournament.
In Portugal’s last five games, they won three, but lost two against Croatia and Slovenia.
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However, it is a difficult start to the tournament for Portugal as they face the Czech Republic.
The Czechs qualified for the Euros in Group E as runners-up behind Albania.
They have also been in good form in recent matches, having won five out of five, including a 7-1 defeat of Malta.
Team News
Portugal will not be able to count on Raphael Guerreiro for the tournament due to injury.
While Renato Sanches and Manchester City star Matheus Nunes were not chosen by Martinez.
The former Everton manager opted to back veterans Pepe and Ronaldo, with the pair expected to start the match.
The Czech’s biggest injury came to Michal Sadilek, who had to be removed from the team after falling off his bike during training.
What was said?
Before the tournament, Martinez praised his captain Ronaldo’s commitment to the team.
He said: “His commitment as captain is unbelievable. I really liked his work.
“He shows solidarity and companionship, and these are important values in the dressing room when you go to the Euros.”
Czech coach Ivan Hasek aims to take his team as far as possible.
He said: “I will do everything I can to take the team as far as I can in this competition, but success and failure are possible.
“I believe in our team, in our players, in the people around me and in our ability to create a strong and competitive team that can get out of the group no matter what.
“I will be pleased when we get through the group stage, the fans agree that we gave our all and our game pleases them.
“This is important for us. We need to choose the players who best appeal to our demanding public and we will try to play football that pleases the fans.”
SunSport prediction?
Portugal 3-1 Czech Republic
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When is Portugal vs Czech Republic?
- Portugal’s opening group stage clash with the Czech Republic will take place on Tuesday 18 June.
- The game will start at 8pm BST.
- The Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany, will host the big clash.
What is the channel and can it be broadcast live?
- Portugal v Czech Republic will be broadcast live on BBC One in the UK.
- You can live stream all the action from the BBC iPlayer app, which is available to download to your phone or tablet.
Can I watch for FREE?
- Yes, the game is available to watch for FREE as long as you have a valid TV license.
Chances
- Portugal – 15/08
- Draw – 3/10
- Czech Republic – 01/05
*Odds courtesy of William Colina and correct at the time of publication.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
