Slovenia vs Portugal

Stadion Stozice sets the stage for the first-ever encounter between Slovenia and Portugal.

Slovenia’s warm-up campaign for only their second European Championship appearance as an independent country – first since 2000 – took a tumble last week as a 2-2 draw against continental minnows Malta knocked them down from a two-game winning streak. Back to Ljubljana, Matjaz Kek’s side must punch above their weight to knock a more heavily fancied Portugal off their perch to uphold an eye-catching eight-game unbeaten run on home soil (W6, D2). Since there’s no head-to-head history between the two nations, Slovenia will be free of the morale shackles as they bid to win four consecutive home outings for the first time since October 2014. The hosts can take further confidence from netting 2+ goals in three successive home games in the build-up to this landmark day.

However, Slovenia’s decent-looking home form pales to Portugal’s outrageous form under new manager Roberto Martinez. Following a faultless Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, which saw them secure a place at the continent’s most prominent tournament with all ten wins for the first time in the nation’s history, the Selecao put Sweden to the sword in their first prep game, running riot at home to post a 5-2 victory. Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence failed to compromise Portugal’s free-scoring attack, which has scored a jaw-dropping 26 goals across their last six internationals. Equally impressive on their travels, Euro 2016 winners have won their last six away matches without a reply, though it’s worth noting all their opponents in that stretch languish below #40 in the FIFA world rankings.