Intriguing action in Group J of EURO qualification takes place on Friday, as the top two nations collide. Portugal have been perfect under Roberto Martinez throughout qualification, and they will be chasing a seventh straight win when they host Slovakia.
EURO 2024 Qualifier Preview
It has been an excellent response from Portugal since the EURO qualification campaign got underway, as they have bounced back from their shock World Cup exit in strong fashion under new head coach Roberto Martinez. Portugal have been one of the standout sides throughout the campaign, as they have won each of their six qualifying matches.
Furthermore, they have excelled at both ends of the field, scoring a EURO-high of 24 goals and failing to concede in six matches. Portugal’s dominant run continued in the most recent international break, as they landed back-to-back wins against Slovakia and Liechtenstein. The most recent of their wins was a dominant 9-0 win against the latter, with Bruno Fernandes being the standout star.
Slovakia are likely the only side that could stop Portugal from finishing top of the standings in Group J, but they are also in battles against Luxembourg and Bosnia to wrap up second spot as soon as possible. The nation comes into this match after winning four of their six matches in Group J, but they have struggled in the final third after netting just eight goals.
But, their strong defensive record has been a key strait in their success, as they have allowed just two goals. One of those goals came in a narrow defeat against Portugal in the most recent international break last month. But, they responded to that setback in excellent fashion, as they landed a straightforward 3-0 home win over Liechtenstein just three days after their defeat against Portugal.
Portugal vs Slovakia Head to Head
Portugal has avoided defeat in each of their five international matches against Slovakia, winning on four occasions. That includes victories in each of the previous two. Their last home win over their rivals was a 2-0 success in June 2005.
Portugal vs Slovakia Prediction
Portugal has been one of the standout nations throughout EURO qualification, and it looks incredibly challenging to overlook their clear credentials this weekend. Therefore, we will be siding with the hosts gaining maximum points over their closest rivals with a victory by at least three goals.
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