Nov 28, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes (8) celebrates his penalty kick goal scored against Uruguay with forward Rafael Leao (15) during the second half of the group stage match in the 2022 World Cup at Lusail Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports
- Former champions Portugal open their Euro 2024 campaign against Czechia on June 18th at 3:00 pm ET
- Undefeated in seven, Czechia face a Portugal side who decimated opponents in qualifying
- See the Portugal vs Czechia odds, projected lineups, as well as our prop picks for the Group F match
Following a perfect qualifying campaign, the 2016 champions Portugal open their Euro 2024 campaign in against Czechia in Leipzig.
Currently ranked #6 in the world, Portugal (-250) are rightfully positioned as favorites to win Group F ahead of Turkey (+450), Czechia (+550), and Georgia (+1600), after racing through qualifying with an immaculate 10-0 record.
However, qualifying ended seven months ago and the “What have you done lately?” crowd will tell you in the time since Portugal is a pedestrian 3-0-2, with losses to Slovenia and Croatia, while Czechia are riding a hot streak, going undefeated in seven with six wins overall.
Did Portugal do enough in qualifying to justify their position as favorites to win the group, or will the Czech hot streak continue in their Euro 2024 opener?
Portugal vs Czechia Odds
| Matchup | Moneyline | Total Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal | -209 | O 2.5 (-138) |
| Czechia | +550 | U 2.5 (+110) |
| Draw | +350 | n/a |
The current odds have Portugal as favorites to win at -205, with Czechia a heavy underdog at +550, and a draw between the two at +350.
It’s possible that the multitude of goals scored in the opening matches of Euro 2024 has caused the Total Goals line in Portugal vs Czechia to swell. As it stands, the O/U line in POR/CZE sits at 2.5 with the over favored at -138 and the under at +110.
Odds as of June 17th at Bet365 Sportsbook. See the latest Bet365 promotions before betting on the Euro 2024 tournament.
Portugal vs Czechia Projected Lineups
| Portugal (4-3-3) | Czechia (3-1-4-2) |
|---|---|
| Diogo Costa (GK) | Jindrich Stanek (GK) |
| Joao Cancelo (RB) | Tomas Holes (RB) |
| Pepe (RCB) | Robin Hranac (CB) |
| Ruben Dias (LCB) | Ladislav Krejci (LB) |
| Nuno Mendes (LB) | Tomas Soucek (DM) |
| Bruno Fernandes (RM) | Vladimir Coufal (RW) |
| Joao Palhinha (CM) | Lukas Provod (RM) |
| Vitinha (LM) | Antonin Barak (LM) |
| Bernardo Silva (RW) | David Jurasek (LW) |
| Cristiano Ronaldo (ST) | Jan Kuchta (RS) |
| Rafael Leao (LW) | Patrik Schick (LS) |
Expect Goals From Portugal, For and Against
You certainly couldn’t blame coach Roberto Martinez for challenging the Portuguese national team in the build-up to Euro 2024.
His side qualified for the tournament with ease, winning all ten of their matches with a goal differential of +34 while conceding only two goals total. For what it’s worth, those two goals came in a home win against Slovakia at a moment where Portugal’s Euro qualification was all but assured.
But how do you challenge your squad after such positive results? By throwing everything at them, from top heavy attacks (Finland, Sweden) to the traditionally defensive (Ireland, Slovenia), capped off with a current football power going through a minor identity crisis (Croatia).
So it’s not terribly surprising that such a mixed bag of opponents ultimately produced varying results from Portugal: three wins and two losses from five matches, with thirteen goals scored and eight conceded, shutting out one team while being held scoreless by another.
Those results are a far cry from the highs Portugal experienced in qualifying, but they also belie the preparedness undertaken by Martinez to ensure his side are ready for anything.
Last Five Portugal Matches
| Opponent | Opp. FIFA Rank* | Date | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland | 60th | Jun 11, 2024 | Aveiro, POR | W 3-0 |
| Croatia | 10th | June 8, 2024 | Oeiras, POR | L 1-2 |
| Finland | 60th | Jun 4, 2024 | Lisbon, POR | W 4-2 |
| Slovenia | 55th | Mar 26, 2024 | Ljubljana, SVN | L 0-2 |
| Sweden | 23rd | Mar 21, 2024 | Guimaraes, POR | W 5-2 |
*Opponents’ FIFA rankings at the time of each match.
Czechia Riding a Seven-Game Unbeaten Streak
Where Portugal’s successes came in qualification, Czechia saved all their best results for just before the Euro 2024 tournament. That’s not to say Czechia were poor in qualifying, where the Národní tým build a record of four wins, three draws, and just one loss.
But two of those draws (home vs Albania & away at Faroe Islands) left much to be desired, particularly when it meant Czechia could not clinch qualification until the last day, with a win over Moldova.
It also doesn’t help that the team’s current coach, Ivan Hasek, only came into the roll this past January. This left the team with only six months to solidify itself as a cohesive unit, especially after the perceived poor performance under former manager, Jaroslav Silhavy.
In contrast, Czechia’s four post-qualifying friendlies could best be described as a series of near-perfect confidence boosts.
An away win over a Norway side featuring Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, followed by three dominant victories over Armenia, Malta, and Northern Macedonia, meant Czechia would enter Euro 2024 on a five-game winning streak.
Then again, it remains to be seen if victories against teams with an average FIFA rank of 107 is the best way to prepare for a tournament as onerous as the Euros.
Last Five Czechia Matches
| Opponent | Opp. FIFA Rank | Date | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. Macedonia | 69th | Jun 10, 2024 | Hradec Kralove, CZE | W 2-1 |
| Malta | 171st | June 7, 2024 | Grodig, AUT | W 7-1 |
| Armenia | 94th | Mar 26, 2024 | Prague, CZE | W 2-1 |
| Norway | 46th | Mar 22, 2024 | Oslo, NOR | W 2-1 |
| Moldova | 157th | Nov 20, 2023 | Olomouc, CZE | W 3-0 |
Portugal vs Czechia Player Props
Roberto Martinez was already known for brandishing attacking football as a weapon before taking over as manager of Portugal. With Cristinao Ronaldo leading the charge, it would be shocking to not see offensive returns from any of the Portuguese front six. Rather, it comes down to who you put your faith in on the day.
Taking the over on Shots for Ronaldo will always be the low-hanging fruit when betting on Portugal, but I’m willing to take a chance on Bruno Fernandes as an Anytime Scorer at +200.
Since every action results in an equal and opposite reaction, what would be the opposite of a relentless Portuguese attack? My guess is lots of fouls on Tuesday from the Czechian wingers.
Given that Rafael Leao will likely be lighting the left-side of the pitch on fire with a top speed of 36.5 kph, I’d be eyeballing the overs for Fouls Committed by anyone on the right for Czechia. That includes Tomas Soucek at over 1.5 (+100), Vladimir Coufal at over 1.5 (+162), and Tomas Holes at over 0.5 (-150).
Of those three, I’d pick Soucek to go over 1.5 fouls, knowing he also has to patrol the middle of the park when he’s not supporting on the wing.
Portugal vs Czechia Player Props
| Player | First Scorer | Anytime Scorer | Shots | Fouls Committed | To Be Booked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cristiano Ronaldo (POR) | +260 | -120 | O 3.5 (-138) | U 3.5 (+100) | O 0.5 (-138) | U 0.5 (+100) | +750 |
| Bruno Fernandes (POR) | +550 | +200 | O 2.5 (+120) | U 2.5 (-163) | O 1.5 (+110) | U 1.5 (-200) | +450 |
| Rafael Leao (POR) | +550 | +200 | O 2.5 (+137) | U 2.5 (-188) | n/a | +750 |
| Bernardo Silva (POR) | +850 | +300 | O 1.5 (+125) | U 2.5 (-175) | n/a | +500 |
| Joao Cancelo (POR) | +1800 | +700 | O 0.5 (-188) | U 0.5 (+137) | O 1.5 (+150) | U 1.5 (-200) | +333 |
| Patrick Schick (CZE) | +1000 | +375 | O 1.5 (-175) | U 1.5 (+125) | O 0.5 (-200) | U 0.5 (+150) | +650 |
| Tomas Soucek (CZE) | +2000 | +750 | O 0.5 (-175) | U 0.5 (+125) | O 1.5 (+100) | U 1.5 (-138) | +350 |
| Ladislav Krejci (CZE) | +4000 | +1600 | O 0.5 (+110) | U 0.5 (-150) | O 0.5 (-200) | U 0.5 (+150) | +200 |
| Vladimir Coufal (CZE) | +5000 | +2000 | O 0.5 (+175) | U 0.5 (-250) | O 1.5 (+162) | U 1.5 (-225) | +350 |
| David Jurasek (CZE) | +5000 | +2000 | O 0.5 (+175) | U 0.5 (-250) | O 0.5 (-120) | U 0.5 (-120) | +400 |
Props as of June 17th at Bet365 Sportsbook.
Portugal vs Czechia Predictions
When making my picks for Portugal vs Czechia, I’m largely looking at each team’s respective pre-tournament preparation.
For Portugal, that meant taking the road less travelled against challenging opponents that did not always guarantee victory. In comparison, Czechia was in need of cohesion within a short time frame under a new manager.
Though Czechia’s recent form is certainly praiseworthy, Portugal may be on another level in terms of assuredness and execution. The final scoreline may not be a blowout, but anything less than a comprehensive victory from the Seleção will be a surprise.
Portugal vs Czechia picks:
- Total Goals – Over 2.5 (-138)
- Bruno Fernandes – Anytime Goalscorer (+200)
- Tomas Soucek – Over 1.5 Fouls (+100)
The highly anticipated Euro 2024 match between Portugal and Czechia is set to take place on June 18th, and fans are eagerly awaiting the showdown between these two talented teams. Both Portugal and Czechia have a rich footballing history and a strong squad of players, making this match one to watch.
In terms of odds, Portugal is currently favored to win the match. The reigning European champions have a strong team led by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Joao Felix. Their attacking prowess and defensive solidity make them a formidable opponent for any team. On the other hand, Czechia also has a talented squad with players such as Patrik Schick and Tomas Soucek who can cause problems for the Portuguese defense.
In terms of predictions, it is expected to be a closely contested match with both teams looking to secure a crucial victory in the group stage. Portugal will likely dominate possession and create more chances, but Czechia’s solid defense could make it difficult for them to break through. Ultimately, it could come down to individual moments of brilliance from players like Ronaldo or Schick that decide the outcome of the match.
For prop picks, one interesting bet could be on the total number of goals scored in the match. Given the attacking talent on both sides, there is a good chance that we could see multiple goals in this game. Another prop pick to consider could be on the first goalscorer, with players like Ronaldo and Schick being prime candidates to find the back of the net early on.
Overall, the Portugal vs Czechia match promises to be an exciting encounter with plenty of drama and excitement. Fans can look forward to a thrilling game between two top European teams as they battle it out for a crucial three points in the group stage of Euro 2024.
