Slovakia vs Portugal Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews in Euro 2024 qualifying. Portugal lead the way in Group J but Slovakia are chasing them in second position after winning their last qualifying game. Read on for our free predictions and tips.
Match Live Friday, 8th September at 7:45 pm In:
Slovakia vs Portugal Predictions
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Bratislava Braces for a Battle
Key Stats
– Portugal have accumulated 14 goals in just four matches, with Ronaldo scoring five.
– The last time Slovakia pieced together a four-game winning streak across all tournaments was in 2015.
As the Euro 2024 qualifiers intensify, Bratislava’s Tehelne Pole is set to light up this Friday with a thrilling contest between Slovakia and Portugal in Group J. With both teams showing remarkable form, let’s delve into an analytical breakdown and some bold predictions.
Slovakia’s Rise to the Top
Slovakia, under Francesco Calzona, began their qualifying campaign on a stable note with a draw against Luxembourg. However, their resilience was visible in their subsequent triumphs over Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, with a mere goal conceded. Their narrow wins, especially the hard-fought victory against Liechtenstein, thanks to Denis Vavro’s decisive header, highlighted their ability to grind out results.
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While performances are crucial, results in these crunch qualifiers hold more weightage. The Falcons are currently three points ahead of Luxembourg. Their seven-game unbeaten streak is commendable, as is their knack for clean sheets, registering four in their last European qualifiers.
Portugal’s Unblemished Record
Roberto Martinez, taking the Portuguese reins from the celebrated Fernando Santos, has had an exemplary start. With 12 points from their opening four games against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, and Iceland, Portugal have not only bagged maximum points but have also netted 14 goals, keeping a watertight defence.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s milestone goal during his 200th cap against Iceland accentuates the team’s strength. Portugal’s defensive record in the qualifiers is rivalled only by France and Hungary. Their scoring tally is just behind England’s, highlighting their attacking prowess.
Key Players to Watch
Slovakia will heavily rely on their defensive stalwarts, Paris Saint-Germain’s Milan Skriniar and Newcastle United’s Martin Dubravka. Juraj Kucka is set for his 100th cap, while Sydney FC’s Robert Mak, with 15 goals, remains the Falcons’ primary offensive threat.
For Portugal, the evergreen Ronaldo remains in scintillating form. New additions from the Saudi Pro League, Otavio and Ruben Neves, bolster the squad, but the team will miss defensive mainstays Raphael Guerreiro, Nuno Mendes, and Pepe.
Predictions
- Match Outcome Prediction: Given the data at hand, a “Both Teams to Score” scenario seems plausible. While Portugal boasts a stronger offensive and defensive record, Slovakia’s recent form and home advantage can’t be disregarded. Their past encounters also lend weight to this prediction.
- Correct Score Prediction: Combining Slovakia’s defensive prowess with Portugal’s attacking might, a 2-1 win in favour of Portugal seems a reasonable prediction.
- Goalscorer Prediction: Cristiano Ronaldo, with five goals in this qualification round and fresh from netting six times in his last four league matches, is likely to find the back of the net. As an optional bonus, Ronaldo could very well be the first goalscorer, given his rich vein of form.
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