Source – Eurosport
The Portugal Euro 2024 team, the winner of Euro 2016, is gearing up for another continental championship. The team is still led to success by the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, despite being 39 years old in 2024. Ronaldo remains the leader and captain of the team, setting a world record for goals scored in the national team, with 9 goals in the last Euro qualifying cycle.
The team is coached by Roberto Martinez, tasked with creating a balanced squad not solely reliant on Ronaldo. The roster includes European stars such as Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Jota, Ruben Dias, and Bernardo Silva. Their goal is to replicate the success of 2016 and once again become European champions. Portugal has all the chances to compete for the title.
The betting company Mostbet com cautiously assesses Portugal’s chances of winning the cup. However, this team surprised the world in 2016 and is hopeful of repeating that triumph. Let’s examine the current state of the Portuguese national team before Euro 2024.
Portugal’s group in Euro 2024
Portugal is placed in Group C alongside Turkey, the Czech Republic, and the winner of the play-off matches (likely Greece). The reigning European champions confidently qualified with 10 wins in 10 matches under coach Roberto Martinez. Therefore, Portugal Euro 2024 should easily navigate the group stage. The main threat to the Portuguese team could be Turkey, which has defeated teams like Germany and Croatia, making them formidable opponents. Moreover, Turkey performed well in the previous Euro, advancing from a group with Italy, Switzerland, and Wales.
As for the Czech Republic, their captain is Tomas Soucek, but the team lacks standout stars. Having struggled in the qualifiers, it is unlikely they will compete with Portugal for the top spot in the group. If Greece enters the group, it may evoke memories of their sensational victory over Portugal in the Euro 2004 final. However, repeating that success is doubtful. Portugal is the clear favorite in the group and should confidently secure the first spot for the knockout stage.
Preparation of the Portugal Euro 2024
After Portugal’s disappointing performance in the 2022 World Cup, which ended with tears from Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Martinez took over as coach, replacing Fernando Santos. Immediately, the team’s results improved. In the Euro 2024 qualifying tournament, Portugal won all 10 matches, scoring 36 goals. Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes stood out, contributing 16 goals together. Considering their potent attack, Portugal is considered a contender for victory in Euro 2024, especially in a relatively weak group with Turkey as the main rival.
However, it’s worth noting that Portugal Euro 2024 qualifying group was weak, making it challenging to objectively assess the team’s current strength. Moreover, this is Martinez’s first major tournament with the new team, after an unsuccessful stint with Belgium in the 2022 World Cup. As such, there are no clear favorites for Euro 2024 yet. Portugal will be one of the contenders for the title, but they must prove their strength throughout the tournament and avoid the mistakes of previous years to prevent new tears from Ronaldo.
Interesting Facts about the Portuguese National Team before Euro 2024
Traditionally considered favorites in major tournaments, the Portuguese national team has participated in European Championships since 1996. Here are some interesting facts about Portugal before Euro 2024:
- This will be their 9th European Championship and 8th consecutive one since 1996.
- Portugal has advanced from the group stage in the last 7 Euro tournaments, a feat unmatched by any other team.
- In the Euro 2024 qualifiers, Portugal achieved a record 10 wins, scoring 36 goals and conceding only 2.
- Cristiano Ronaldo holds Euro records for matches played, goals, and assists, with 20 goals and assists combined—almost twice as much as the nearest competitor.
- Since 2004, Ronaldo missed only 2 games out of 49 in World Cup and Euro competitions for Portugal.
- Roberto Martinez’s first major tournament with the Portuguese national team, having previously won bronze with Belgium in the 2018 World Cup.
With such a lineup and experience, Portugal Euro 2024 can expect to perform well in the championship. The actual outcome will be revealed soon. Bookmakers consider Portugal one of the teams likely to easily advance from the group, but no one is giving them serious chances of winning the trophy.
