Pepe Aims for Portuguese Revival Following Shock Defeat by Georgia: Portugal vs. Slovenia Showdown
Pepe acknowledges Slovenia as a formidable opponent for Portugal in the Euro 2024 Round of 16. He anticipates a more robust performance from the Selecao.
After a stunning 2-0 loss to Georgia, Portugal completed the Euro 2024 group stages. Pepe is keenly aware that a stronger effort is critical for their next clash against Slovenia this Monday.
Despite this setback, the Selecao still managed to lead Group F. They’re now set to face Slovenia, a team advancing as one of the top third-placed teams.
Now sharing a knockout bracket with titans like France, Belgium, Germany, and Spain, Portugal understands the arduous path ahead. Rising above these giants is a must for championship aspirations.
In their previous global outing at the 2022 World Cup, Portugal dazzled by recording the largest last-16 victory margin in the tournament’s history, overpowering Switzerland 6-1.
However, their last face-off with Slovenia, a friendly match in March, ended in a 2-0 defeat. This has set Pepe’s expectations for a rigorous encounter.
Pepe celebrated the team’s stellar group stage performance and praised the unwavering support from their fans.
“We recognize the upcoming challenges,” he remarked. “It’s all about rectifying our past errors to emerge victorious.”
“This journey will prove tough,” he continued, “yet unity is our strength.”
This match marks Slovenia’s debut in the knockout stages of a major tournament, while it’s the 26th for Portugal. Since their triumphant Euro 2019 campaign, Portugal has stumbled in three out of four major tournament knockout games.
The spotlight, as usual, is on Cristiano Ronaldo to spearhead Portugal’s attack. Surprisingly, this tournament is the first where he didn’t score in the group stage despite his 11 overall appearances.
Yet, Pepe reassured fans about Ronaldo’s form. “Cristiano’s drive for goals is unmatched,” he declared. “His zeal on the field is phenomenal.”
At 39, Ronaldo not only vigorously contributes but also leads in playtime.
“He’s in prime form. As we head into the crucial stages of Euro 2024, I assure you he’ll bring immense pride,” Pepe professed.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Portugal – Cristiano Ronaldo
Having not scored in his recent seven major tournament appearances, Ronaldo faces his longest drought. Despite 19 shots since his last goal at the 2022 World Cup, a breakthrough seems imminent.
With 12 attempts generating 1.32 expected goals (xG) at this tournament, his aggressive efforts outshine all national teammates.
Slovenia – Andraz Sporar
Slovenia’s modest score tally at Euro 2024 sees Sporar and his fellow striker, Benjamin Sesko, eager for their first goals. Together, they’ve made 12 shots.
Of Sporar’s seven shots, five were within the penalty area. Sporar also boasts a near 1.0 xG from his appearances and has demonstrated his defensive gusto in 13 duels, winning four aerially.
MATCH PREDICTION: PORTUGAL WIN
The Opta supercomputer projects a 76% chance for Portugal to reach the quarter-finals, ranking them among the favorites.
Despite their recent slump against Georgia, Portugal showed dominance in group play, securing the second-highest possession (67%) and total shots (53).
Their competitive match winning streak may have paused, but Portugal last faced consecutive defeats in Euro 2008. They’re eager to avoid repeating history.
Vitinha, with his top stats for progressive passes (29) at Euro 2024, emerges as another critical player for Portugal. His remarkable 90% pass completion under pressure exemplifies his pivotal role against a defensively resilient Slovenia.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Portugal – 67%
Slovenia – 19.6%
Draw – 13.4%
