Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Portugal against Slovenia at Euro 2024 tonight?
Cristiano Ronaldo should start when Portugal take on Slovenia in the Round of 16 at Euro 2024 on Monday, July 1, at the Waldstadion in Frankfurt. The Selecao will want to return to winning ways following their shock 2-0 defeat to Georgia in their last group game.
Portugal had secured qualification to the knockout stages before their defeat to Georgia. Ronaldo, however, still started the game and played 66 minutes before being substituted.
Cristiano Ronaldo would have had four days to recover for the Round of 16 tie against Slovenia. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner will, therefore, most likely start and lead his side's attack on Monday in Frankfurt.
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez rested important attacking players like Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes against Georgia. The Premier League duo should also return to the starting XI against Slovenia and partner Ronaldo in attack.
Despite their defeat to against Georgia, Portugal still managed to top their group and qualify for the knockout stages, having won their opening two games.
Slovenia, on the other hand, finished third in Group C, behind England and Denmark. They picked up three points, having drawn all three of their group matches at Euro 2024.
Cristiano Ronaldo is yet to set Euro 2024 alight for Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo has so far had a relatively quiet Euro 2024 for Portugal. The Al-Nassr superstar is yet to score a goal in this tournament and has only provided one assist, which came in their win against Turkey.
Despite the underwhelming numbers, Ronaldo remains a vital player for Roberto Martinez's side. According to Sky Sports, the skipper has taken 12 shots in the group stage, which is more than any other player at Euro 2024. Five of those shots have been on target, which suggests a goal for Ronaldo is just around the corner.
Cristiano Ronaldo has also been linking up well with his fellow attackers. The former Manchester United superstar has had 16 touches in the box in the last three games and has also created two big chances for his colleagues.
It is worth mentioning that Cristiano Ronaldo will only play his second game against Slovenia in his illustrious international career. His only encounter against his Round of 16 opponent was back in March this year, which his side lost 2-0.
Ronaldo has had a phenomenal international career, having scored 130 goals in 210 caps for his nation. His only international honor came when he helped his side win Euro 2016 in France.