Portugal vs Czech Republic

Red Bull Arena forms the backdrop for the final game of the first Euro 2024 round as Portugal and the Czech Republic lock horns in their Group F opener.

Buoyed by the nation’s first 100% Euros qualifying campaign (W10) and an equally intimidating goal difference of +34 (GF:36, GA:2), Portugal head into their ninth Euro finals confident of upholding an eye-catching trend of reaching the knockout stages in all eight previous appearances. However, the ‘Selecao’ have had to settle for a third-place finish in the last two tournaments, suggesting their Group F campaign might not be plain sailing as widely expected. Roberto Martinez’s perfect 11-game start to his Portugal tenure (W11) is behind him, with the ex-Belgium boss overseeing two defeats in his last four friendlies in charge (W2). If it’s any consolation, Portugal thrashed the Republic of Ireland 3-0 in their final warm-up fixture after conceding precisely two goals in four previous internationals.

Despite their underdog status in this match-up, the Czech Republic can draw confidence from Portugal’s abysmal record of only one win from their last six Euros group-stage matches (D4, L1). Though they missed out on the 2022 World Cup, the Lions are faultless on the continental front, with this marking their eighth consecutive Euros appearance as an independent nation. However, they face an ominous piece of tradition in Germany. They’ve alternated between group-stage progressions and eliminations across their seven previous Euros showings, most recently reaching the quarter-finals three summers ago. Like their opponents, Ivan Hasek’s men have underperformed at this juncture, picking up just one win across their last six Euros group-stage outings (D2, L3). Hasek will look to turn the Czechs’ fortunes around after winning his first four games in charge by a combined score of 13-4.