Portugal vs Czech The Portuguese are widely seen as top contenders for the trophy, with their progression from the group stage almost certain.
Portugal have been the dominant side in their meetings with the Czech Republic that came after Euro 1996. They have four wins in four meetings, with the most recent coming in a 2022 Nations League encounter. Ahead of this tournament, Portugal have been in great shape, winning 13 of their last 15 matches. However, two losses in their last four matches could be a pointer to some inconsistency creeping in. The Portuguese did win their final warm-up game before heading to Germany, beating the Republic of Ireland 3-0. This win also marked Portugal’s first clan sheet in five matches yet they had kept nine in the previous 10 matches. Roberto Martinez will however be happy to note that his team only failed to score once in the last 15 matches. Portugal have also not lost a competitive game since falling 1-0 to Morocco at the 2022 World Cup.
Unlike Portugal who topped their qualification group, the Czech Republic finished second in theirs, on 15 points, half the tally Portugal managed. They’ve had good preparation and have injected desirable consistency in their run which makes them a dangerous side to come against. The Czech may have lost four straight matches against Portugal, but they won’t come here as outright underdogs. In the run-up to this competition, they are unbeaten in seven matches, having drawn just one. Ivan Hašek’s side completed preparations for this competition with a 2-1 win over North Macedonia, their fifth straight win. This win was also the fifth straight time that they scored more than a goal. However, they only have two clean sheets in the last 11 matches and that will be the team’s major worry against this very attacking Portuguese side. Both teams managed to score in each of Czech Republic’s last four matches.
Prediction: Portugal 2-1 Czech
Portugal vs Czechia stream and TV listing
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