Euro 2024: Slovaks Out to Create History Against CR7 & Co

Slovakia vs Portugal

The top two in Group J are about to face off in Euro 2024 qualifying.

In truth, both Slovakia and Portugal should make it, and the latter, former European champions, are overwhelming favourites to top the group.

But Euro 2024 qualifying highlights aren’t a cert – after all, the Selecao needed a last-gasp winner from talisman Cristiano Ronaldo to see off Iceland in their last outing three months ago so cannot afford to be complacent.

Talking Points

Now anyone who knows me knows my feeling about CR7.

At the age of 38 he is, of course, past his best but his genius still shines through.

Not only he is the greatest ever player from their shores – no mean feat when you think Portugal was also the birthplace of Eusebio and Luis Figo – but possibly the globe as well.

Since his senior debut in 2003, the start of a long and distinguished international career, the boy from Madeira has gone onto stand alone as the record holder for most international appearances, having played more times for his country than any other man.

He also comfortably presides over another record – most international appearances and most international goals.

It may be some time before we witness such a feat again and he is a true legend of the game.

As Portugal look to cement top position in the standings and maintain their 100 per cent record since he took charge, manager Roberto Martinez can count on both Ronaldo and a host key players for Friday’s qualifier, including Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias, Joao Felix, Bernardo Silva, and Ruben Neves.

With four wins from their four opening fixtures against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and Iceland, Portugal have accumulated 12 points and 14 goals while keeping the back door bolted shut at the other end, amassing four clean sheets to boot.

Notable defensive absentees include Raphael Guerreiro, Nuno Mendes and 40-year-old centre-back Pepe, while Benfica duo Rafa Silva and Joao Mario have both called time on their international careers. Yet they still ooze quality.

As for Slovakia, their main man has now called time on his glittering career so there will be no Marek Hamsik to spearhead their midfield.

Yet one man to keep an eye on in is Napoli’s Stanislav Lobotka, who has 47 caps.

He should be joined in the staring XI by club team mate Stanislav Lobotka, while Juraj Kucka should win his 100th cap for the Falcons.

Another name to watch out for is Sydney FC winger Robert Mak who, with 15 goals to his name, represents the top goalscorer in the Slovakia ranks and should be given the nod in the left-wing position.

While a seven-game unbeaten run should stand the home side in good stead, this is a different test altogether and the gulf in quality between the sides ranked ninth and 47^th in the world is a big one, as other established nations have shown in recent years.

History

In their last meeting in a competitive match, back in 2005, Portugal recorded a 2-0 win over Slovakia.

That was a World Cup qualifier in which Fernando Meira and Ronaldo were on target.

They had drawn 1-1 in Bratislava a few months earlier in their first qualifier when Miroslav Karhan’s opener was cancelled out by substitute Helder Postiga.

That remains the only time Slovakia have avoided defeat against the Portuguese.

They also met twice in qualifying for Euro 2000.

The first ever meeting, in October 1998, saw Portugal run out 3-0 winners, courtesy of goals from João Pinto (two) and Xavier.

Portugal won the return game the following June via a solitary goal from Capucho.

Betting Tip

It’s Portugal all the way with the SBOTOP Euro 2024 qualifying betting odds.

While Slovakia are priced 1X2 @ 6.00 and Asian Handicap +1.00 @ 2.21 – along with First Half 1X2 @ 5.40 and First Half Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.25 – the visitors are deemed far more likely to return home with maximum points.

Odds include First Half 1X2 Portugal @ 2.02, First Half Asian Handicap -0.50, also @ 2.02, 1X2 @ 1.40 and Asian Handicap -1.50 @ 2.23.

There’s never been a goalless draw and I don’t think there will be this time, although Total Goal 0-1 will earn you a tidy pay day @ 3.15, compared to 2-3 @ 1.85 and 4-6 @ 3.30.

Over 2.75 @ 2.11 caught my eye as did the 1X2 Draw @ 4.20.

A repeat of their last meeting some 18 years ago is available with Correct Score 0-2 @ 5.40.

I am going to plump for a *** tip of Half Time Full Time Draw Away @ 3.30.

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.