Portugal head into Euro 2024 this summer with Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. dreaming of repeating their 2016 heroics.
They beat hosts France 1-0 in the final that year thanks to an Eder winner in extra-time and Roberto Martinez has a stacked squad full of stars to call upon in Germany this year.
There is plenty of experience in there, with most of the players plying their trade in the Premier League currently, or at one stage in their career, and in a group alongside Turkey, Georgia and the Czech Republic, it’s hard to see Portugal not going deep in the tournament.
MANAGER: Roberto Martinez
CAPTAIN: Cristiano Ronaldo will have the armband for his country as the forward makes a record sixth European Championship appearance. The 39-year-old is No. 1 on the all-time international scorer list in men’s competitions so whether you love him or hate him, it’s hard to argue with him being top dog in the squad.
STAR PLAYER: We can’t really go against Ronny can we? The likes of Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias will be key but even though Ronaldo is now playing his football in Saudi Arabia, he’s still going to have all eyes on him in Germany this summer.
The Al Nassr attacker has netted 35 goals in 31 appearances this season and he’ll be hoping to take that form into Euro 2024. Ronaldo was the second highest scorer in qualifying with 10 goals so he’s proven he’s still got it.
HOW THEY GOT THERE: Portugal finished Euro 2024 qualifying with a perfect record after winning all 10 of their games, while scoring 36 times and conceding just twice.
However, it’s worth noting that they did get to play Luxembourg and Liechtenstein twice with the total scoreline ending up 21-0 in favour of Martinez’s men. We’d all fancy our chances of getting a game for Liechtenstein wouldn’t we?
HOW WILL THEY DO: Portugal are in Group F alongside Turkey, Georgia and the Czech Republic so it’s hard to see them not topping that lot.
They won the 2016 Euros and reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2022 but you have to fancy them to cause any team a few problems with the depth in their squad. They will be aiming for the semi-finals at least.
BEST BET: There’s a couple of bets to look at: Portugal to Reach the Semi-Finals and a Group F Straight Forecast of 1st Portugal/2nd Turkey.
Portugal have brilliant strength in depth so they can go far at Euro 2024 and they have experience of going all the way in the tournament.
They will win Group F so it’s a toss up between Turkey and the Czech Republic to finish second. We’re siding with the former, who had a decent qualifying campaign. They topped their group ahead of Croatia, with Vincenzo Montella’s side losing just once.
PORTUGAL EURO 2024 FIXTURES & SCHEDULE
Group A
Tuesday June 18: Portugal v Czech Republic – 8pm (Leipzig – Red Bull Arena)
Saturday June 22: Turkey v Portugal – 5pm (Dortmund – Signal Iduna Park)
Wednesday June 26: Georgia v Portugal – 8pm (Gelsenkirchen – Veltins-Arena)
PORTUGAL EURO 2024 SQUAD
Martinez will confirm his final Portugal squad ahead of the June 6 deadline. Below is his stacked preliminary panel.
GOALKEEPERS: Diogo Costa, Rui Patricio, Jose Sa.
DEFENDERS: Ruben Dias, Danilo Pereira, Antonio Silva, Pepe, Goncalo Inacio, Nelson Semedo, Joao Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Nuno Mendes.
MIDFIELDERS: Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Ruben Neves, Joao Palhinha, Joao Neves, Matheus Nunes, Bernardo Silva.
FORWARDS: Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota, Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, Goncalo Ramos, Pedro Neto, Francisco Conceicao.
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- Predicted England Euro 2024 squad and Paddy Power odds for 23-man group
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