Euros have expanded, and the increased number of participants has brought us some, until recently, unknown national sides that really know how to play ball. Like Georgia and Slovakia, for instance.Despite heading home after the losses to Spain and England, those two underdogs proved that the minnows could confront the giants and hurt them properly.That’s the reason Portugal mustn’t underestimate Slovenia, as the two sides meet tonight in the EURO 2024 Round of 16.Taking experience to a new level: Pepe and CR7 want to repeat the 2016 successRoberto Martinez’s side lost to Georgia 2-0 in the last group game and are now definitely aware of the danger that comes from those tiny countries.Slovenia reached the knockout stage after finishing the group stage behind England and Denmark and in front of Serbia with three points (all draws).Benjamin Sesko was unable to find the back of the net in those three games, but he’ll definitely be the biggest threat to Portugal tonight in Frankfurt.##NAJAVA_MECA_8186103##On the other hand, the 2016 European Champions will look mostly at their 39-year-old veteran, who’s also looking for another milestone – the 15th goal at Euros. Ronaldo scored two goals at EURO 2004, one in 2008, three in both 2012 and 2016, and five in 2020.”He is an animal who wants to keep on winning and winning. Not only is he the best, he wants to prove it as well,” explains Jose Fonte, a retired Portugal defender who is currently working as a BBC columnist.”To have that mindset to keep pushing himself so hard is incredible because it takes immense work to stay at his level, the very top, for so many years like he has.”That is Cristiano, though. Mentally, he is unbeatable. It is why he has won so much and done so much, and out of everything that makes him the player and person he is, I would say it is his greatest strength.”EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP – 1/8 FINALSSaturdaySwitzerland – Italy 2-0 (1-0)/Freuler 37, Vargas 46/Germany – Denmark 2-0 (0-0)/Havertz 53 pen, Musiala 68/SundayEngland – Slovakia 2-1 (0-1) AET/Bellingham 90+5, Kane 91 – Schranz 25/Spain – Georgia 4-1 (1-1)/Rodri 39, Ruiz 51, Williams 75, Olmo 83 – Le Normand 18 og/Monday19.00: (1.95) France (3.40) Belgium (4.70)22.00: (1.43) Portugal (4.75) Slovenia (9.10)Tuesday19.00: (8.25) Romania (4.30) Netherlands (1.50)22.00: (1.95) Austria (3.50) Turkey (4.50)***odds are subject to change***
