UEFA Euro 2024: Is Portugal vs Czech Republic on TV? live stream, kick-off, team news, lineups, predictions
Portugal, one of the tournament favourites, face the Czech Republic at Leipzig Stadium in their opening European Championship match.
It’s the second of the Group F games today.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal are serious challengers to lift the trophy while the Czech Republic will be bidding to progress from a section which also includes Turkey and Georgia.
Portugal vs Czech Republic Match Preview
Portugal, the Euro 2016 champions, have a strong history in this tournament, reaching the semi-finals three times, though they were knocked out in the last-16 at Euro 2020. Following a quarter-final appearance at the 2022 World Cup, Roberto Martinez took over as manager, bringing renewed optimism to the team.
While France, England, and Germany are the favourites for Euro 2024, Portugal is also expected to contend strongly due to their deep and talented squad. In their recent warm-up, Portugal secured a convincing 3-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice. Despite losing two of their last four matches, Portugal is still favoured to lead Group F, which includes Turkey and Georgia. They will face Turkey on June 22 and Georgia on June 26, with the knockout stages beginning shortly after.
On the other side, the Czech Republic enters this match on the back of a 2-1 win against North Macedonia on June 10, continuing a streak of five consecutive victories. Under Ivan Hasek, the team has shown strong form, winning their final Euro 2024 qualifier against Moldova and subsequent friendlies against Norway, Armenia, Malta, and North Macedonia.
The Czech Republic, runners-up in Euro 1996 and semi-finalists in 2004, have consistently performed well, reaching the quarter-finals in two of their last three tournaments, including Euro 2020. They secured their spot in Euro 2024 with a solid qualification campaign, amassing 15 points from eight matches to finish ahead of Poland in Group E.
Historically, the Czech Republic has struggled against Portugal, losing four of their last five encounters, including a 4-0 defeat in the UEFA Nations League in September 2022. As the two teams clash in this opening Group F match, both will aim to start their campaigns on a high note.
Portugal vs Czech Republic Team News
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez faces several tough choices for his team selection on Tuesday, given the squad’s impressive depth. Some big names will inevitably start on the bench, but at 39, Cristiano Ronaldo is set to lead the line, aiming to add to his record 130 international goals. Ronaldo is poised to make history as he prepares for his sixth European Championship, potentially becoming the oldest player to score in the competition.
Pepe, who will be 41 years and 113 days old at the start of Euro 2024, is expected to anchor the defense alongside Ruben Dias, making him the oldest player ever to compete in the tournament. This likely leaves rising stars Antonio Silva and Goncalo Inacio, both linked with major summer transfers, on the bench, highlighting the squad’s strength.
In attack, Rafael Leao and Bernardo Silva are expected to flank Ronaldo, while Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, and Joao Palhinha will likely form the midfield trio. Despite interest from Manchester United, Joao Neves is expected to start on the bench but may see action in the second half. Diogo Jota is also anticipated to begin as a substitute, further illustrating Martinez’s wealth of options.
For the Czech Republic, the team suffered a blow with midfielder Michal Sadilek pulling out due to a biking injury. West Ham duo Vladimir Coufal and Tomas Soucek are set to start, while Jan Kutcha is expected to feature in the attack. Patrik Schick, the squad’s top scorer with 19 goals, will lead the line, aiming to add to his five goals in previous European Championships. Adam Hlozek, with two international goals, is another option up front.
Jindrich Stanek will start as the first-choice goalkeeper, and the back three will likely consist of Tomas Holes, Robin Hranac, and Ladislav Krejci.
What TV channel is it on?
Portugal vs Czech Republic will be shown live on BBC 1 and iPlayer, with coverage following the game between Turkey and Georgia.
Portugal possible starting lineup: Costa; Cancelo, Pepe, Dias, Mendes; Palhinha, Vitinha, Fernandes; Leao, Ronaldo, Bernardo
Czech Republic possible starting lineup: Stanek; Holes, Hranac, Krejci; Coufal, Soucek, Provod, Barak, Jurasek; Kuchta, Schick
Predictions
Portugal should have far too much firepower for the Czechs, who will likely be over-reliant on Schick. Fernandes, Silva, Ronaldo and co. should find a way through the Czech defence with ease if it all clicks. Portugal 3-0 Czech Republic. – The Independent
Czech Republic’s recent form has been hugely impressive, and they are capable of making this an uncomfortable match for Portugal. Martinez’s side can call upon the greater quality all over the pitch, though, and we are expecting the Iberian nation to open their campaign with a win. Portugal 2-1 Czech Republic. – Sportsmole
