The final match of the opening round of group fixtures at Euro 2024 brings together Portugal and Czechia. Held at the home of Bundesliga club RB Leipzig, the match features some of Europe’s top talent. However, with the majority coming from Portugal, they are the bookie’s favourites to walk away with three points. Can Czechia cause an upset or will it be plane sailing for Portugal?
Portugal vs Czechia: Initial Situation
Portugal are among the favourites to win Euro 2024. With Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and many other stars, it is clear to see why. After being eliminated in the Round of 16 at Euro 2024, they also have a point to prove. However, Czechia was one of the surprise packages four years ago. Reaching the quarter-finals, Ivan Hasek’s side will be hoping for another strong showing in Germany.
Portugal Stats & Form
10 wins from 10 in Group J saw Portugal qualify for Euro 2024 without breaking a sweat. They scored 36 goals and conceded just two in their campaign. The run included a 9-0 thrashing of Luxembourg. Cristiano Ronaldo scored 10 goals, with Bruno Fernandes finding the back of the net six times. However, Ronaldo & Co were recently beaten 2-0 by Slovenia in a friendly match. This was a major shock and had many fans questioning Portugal’s chances this summer.
Portugal famously beat France in the final of Euro 2016. They were runners-up on home soil in 2004 and have reached the semi-finals on two other occasions. Manager Martinez has a squad that can compete with any nation in Germany.
Czechia Stats & Form
Czechia finished runners-up in qualifying Group E. Level on points with Albania, Hasek saw his side win 4 of their 8 matches. Goalscoring was an issue for the Czech’s. They only found the back of the net 12 times in the campaign.
Much of the emphasis lies with Patrik Schick, who was their standout player at Euro 2020. In the international window in March, the team beat Norway and Armenia. The scoreline was 2-1 in both cases. Euro 2024 warm-up matches against Malta and North Macedonia will not tell us much about their credentials.
Portugal vs Czechia: Head to Head
From their five meetings, Portugal has four wins against Czechia. The most recent was in September 2022. In a UEFA Nations League match, Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot scored twice in a 4-0 win. Portugal also won the reverse fixture 2-0 in front of their own fans. Czechia’s only win over Portugal came at Euro 96. Karel Poborsky’s famous goal meant that Czechia reached the semi-finals at Portugal’s expense.
Portugal vs Czechia Odds
Portugal is rightly considered the favourite for this Group F match. You can bet on them to claim all three points at odds of 4/7. Czechia is priced at 5/1, while a draw comes with best odds of 3/1.
Betting tip and prediction: Portugal vs Czechia (18/06/2024)
If Portugal can replicate their qualifying form at the finals, it will be a long 90 minutes for Czechia. It is difficult to see the underdogs posing too much of a threat to Portugal’s goal. We therefore recommend betting on Portugal to win without conceding a goal. This market is available at 6/4 with Bet365.