Portugal vs Slovenia Predicted XI: Should Cristiano Ronaldo start in Euro 2024 knockout match?

Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo are all set for their next challenge at Euro 2024 as they gear up to face Slovenia in the Round of 16 clash. 

As Portugal begins their knockouts at the competition there are a lot of question marks on the team and especially on whether Cristiano Ronaldo should start for them or not. 

Portugal have been underwhelming in the group stages despite finishing top in their group standings. They barely won their first game against Czech Republic thanks to a stoppage time winner. They did beat Turkey 3-0 but the scoreline was deceiving with the way Portugal played in that game. And their last game against Georgia was a disaster as they completely got outplayed and lost the contest 2-0. 

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Ronaldo's lack luster start to Euro 2024 

Post the loss to Georgia there has been a lot of chatter whether the team is better off without their captain and greatest ever player in Cristiano Ronaldo starting or not. 

Ronaldo has started all three games for Portugal and failed to provide either a goal or even an assist for his side. This is also the first time in his career, that Cristiano Ronaldo has failed to score a goal for Portugal in the group stages of a major international tournament be it the World Cup of the Euros. 

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Should Cristiano Ronaldo start for Portugal vs Slovenia in Euro 2024 knockouts?

There are a lot of question marks on whether Cristiano Ronaldo should start for Portugal or not because it was the round of 16 in the World Cups when he was dropped from the starting lineup. 

Despite not scoring a goal till now, Ronaldo has been instrumental in supplementing the attacks for his side and being a dominant presence inside the box, causing teams trouble. Hence, Ronaldo is expected to start in the contest. 

Portugal vs Slovenia predicted starting lineup

Portugal predicted lineup (4-3-3): Costa, Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Pepe, Mendes, Palhinha, Vitinha, Fernandes, Leão, Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva

Slovenia predicted lineup(3-5-2): Oblak, Karnicnik, Drkusic, Bijol, Balkovec, Stojanovic, Elsnik, Gnezda Cerin, Mlakar, Sporar, Sesko