Euro 2024: Portugal vs Czech Republic tips and predictions – Cristiano Ronaldo to shine in Leipzig

It’s been twenty years since Ronaldo made his first appearance at a major international tournament – yes, twenty. He is now preparing to become the first ever player to play at six different European Championships.

Since the Portuguese star graced us with his presence at Euro 2004, we’ve experienced the amazing evolution in mobile technology, a handful of major wars and even the establishment of three new countries.

A lot has happened since Ronaldo first burst onto the scene, but one thing has remained the same – his ability to stick the ball in the back of the net.

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I know what you’re going to say. ‘Yeah, yeah Ronaldo scored 35 league goals last season, but it was only in Saudi Arabia.’

Let’s be honest, to score thirty-five goals in any competition is a massive achievement. Especially for a 39-year-old who is doing this on a weekly basis in intense heat.

 

 

Of course, Portugal are much more than just Ronaldo. Take one look at the squad and you will see names such as Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Matheus Nunes, Joao Felix and Rafael Leao.

This is a monster squad which has been overlooked by the bookmakers ahead of these European Championships.

This Tuesday night, Portugal will be looking to underline their title credentials when they kick off their campaign against a very capable Czech Republic side.

The Czechs are not without quality themselves and they certainly won’t roll over. However, there is a clear gulf in class – one which was exposed when the two teams met just two years ago in the Nations League with Portugal winning 6-0 over the two games.

The two nations also met at the 2012 and 2008 Euros, with Portugal winning both fixtures and Ronaldo scoring in each of those encounters.

With that in mind, we’re backing history to repeat itself. Portugal to win on Tuesday and Ronaldo to score anytime is the way to go.

 

Key stats

- Portugal have won their last four meetings against the Czech Republic

- Cristiano Ronaldo is set to become the first player to appear in six Euro tournaments 

- Czech Republic have won their last five international matches

- Portugal have won 13 of their last 15 international matches

 

Suggested bets

Portugal to win 

Cristiano Ronaldo to score anytime

Portugal to score in both halves