Despite not winning a single match in the group stage, Slovenia advanced to the knockouts as the third-placed team in the section.
The only Balkans nation remaining in the tournament will now face Portugal in the round of 16 on Monday evening at Frankfurt Arena.
- Slovenia are unbeaten in nine successive games across competitions.
- Portugal won Group F after just two rounds.
- Slovenia dispatched Portugal 2-0 in a friendly three months ago in Ljubljana.
- None of Slovenia’s last four matches in all competitions provided three or more goals.
Slovenia showcased incredible defensive resilience to allow just two goals in three inaugural matches at the tournament.
Matjaz Kek does not possess an immensely-talented roster but his team’s determination has secured them three draws in a very difficult Group C.
Slovenian tough schedule will continue on Monday as they take on Portugal in the battle for the quarter-finals.
The Portuguese outfit enter this off the back of a shocking 0-2 defeat to Georgia in the last game in the group.
Nonetheless, Roberto Martinez’s troops had earlier dispatched the likes of the Czech Republic and Turkey to secure the first place in the group after just two rounds.
Portugal vs Slovenia Predicted Lineups and Team News
Roberto Martinez made nine changes to the starting lineup from the inaugural two games at the Euro on Wednesday. The only two starters who “survived” were Cristiano Ronaldo and goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Martinez should recall his key players for the knockout game as we expect the same roster that demolished Turkey 3-0 in the second round.
Slovenia will be without left-back Erik Janza whose yellow card offence from the match against England made him suspended for this affair. This could be a big problem for Matjaz Kek who will likely need to rely on Alanyaspor’s left-back Jure Balkovec against the Portuguese.
Portugal (4-3-3): Costa – Cancelo, Dias, Pepe, Mendes – Vitinha, Palhinha, Fernandes – Silva, Ronaldo, Leao
Slovenia (4-4-2): Oblak – Karnicnik, Drkusic, Bijol, Balkovec – Stojanovic, Gnezda-Cerin, Elsnik, Mlakar – Sporar, Sesko.
