Round of 16: France v Belgium | Portugal v Slovenia Groups

[Tom]

What a terrible match. The French were very wasteful in front of goal, the Belgians looked like they were playing not to lose.

Every "big" team apart from Spain and Germany has looked shit.

 

[Tom]

Roberto Martinez makes eight changes to the Portugal side who suffered a 2-0 defeat by Georgia in their final group game. It means a return for regular first teamers including Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo and Ruben Dias. Rafael Leao missed the Georgia game because of suspension and returns, while Cristiano Ronaldo captains the side.

There is just one change to the Slovenia team who drew 0-0 with England in their last match. Erik Janza is suspended so in comes defender Jure Balkovec.

Portugal XI: Costa, Pepe, Dias, Palhinha, Ronaldo, Fernandes, Silva, Leao, Mendes, Cancelo, Vitinha.

Slovenia XI: Oblak, Karnicnik, Balkovec, Bijol, Sporar, Elsnik, Sesko, Mlakar, Stojanovic, Drkusic, Gnezda Cerin.

 

[Spikey]

What a terrible match. The French were very wasteful in front of goal, the Belgians looked like they were playing not to lose.

Every "big" team apart from Spain and Germany has looked shit.

I think it's Frances tournament. I think they are the best equipped to deal with the higher stakes, tighter games against better opposition.

 

[Crabtree]

Please be entertaining.

 

[Best]

Chance there for Portugal. Leao probably should have done better.

 

[Spikey]

Portugal win with Ronaldo yellow card is the best potential outcome today. This insistence on continuing to start him every game is holding the team back.

 

[John Steed]

Ronaldo has lost his ridiculous vertical leap, sadly. Haven't seen him go airborne at all this tournament.

 

[Best]

Portuguese play acting is pathetic.

 

[Crabtree]

Portugal looking more likely here.

Could have 2 or 3 already if Ronaldo wasn't the target of every attack

 

[John Steed]

Ronaldo is such a greedy player! All about himself. Definition of selfish.