Portugal vs. Czech Republic Prediction: Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. Get Started

• Portugal are one of the most fancied teams to go all the way at Euro 2024

• Their opponents Czech Republic have a decent historical record at this event

• Portugal will be confident of getting off to a winning start on Tuesday

Portugal vs. Czech Republic Odds

The odds for Portugal vs. Czech Republic are provided by the Betway Sportsbook, where you can get up to $250 in bonus bets.

Portugal vs. Czech Republic - My Pick

Back Portugal with a -1 handicap. Roberto Martinez’s men can win this match by two clear goals or more.

Bet on Portugal -1 (+137) at Betway

Portugal Are Among Leading Contenders to Win Euro 2024

At the time of writing, Portugal are the fourth-favorites to win Euro 2024 behind England, France, and Germany. Many will feel that odds of +600 represent excellent value given Portugal’s recent record and their quality right across the pitch. Put it this way, their current squad is vastly superior to the one that lifted the trophy at this tournament eight years ago.

Roberto Martinez is the man at the helm these days. The Spaniard continues to divide opinion and his relentless optimism can make him a figure of ridicule at times, but he does have considerable experience in the international game. And although he was ultimately not able to win anything with Belgium, it is harsh to say he failed in that job.

Portugal qualified for Euro 2024 in style. They won all 10 matches (they were the only team to get maximum points) and also had the best attacking and defensive records across the continent, scoring 36 goals and conceding just two. 

Granted, the teams they faced were not of the highest caliber: Slovakia, Luxembourg, Iceland, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Liechtenstein. But you can only beat what is in front of you and Portugal did that with aplomb. There is no reason why they cannot step up against tougher opposition, although a 2-1 friendly defeat by Croatia served as a note of caution.

Cristiano Ronaldo is undoubtedly past his best, but the leading international scorer of all time can still score goals - especially when the likes of Rafael Leao, Diogo Jota, Bernando Silva, and Bruno Fernandes are there to supply the ammunition. Unlike his predecessor Fernando Santos, who had a tendency towards caution, Martinez has removed the shackles.

Anything less than a semi-final berth would be disappointing, but knockout soccer is tough to predict and anything can happen in a one-off game in the latter stages of a tournament. Make no mistake, though: Portugal are right up there among the leading contenders.

Bet on Portugal vs Czech Republic at Betway

Czech Republic Have Sights Set on Knockouts This Summer

In their various incarnations, the Czechs have a solid record at the European Championship. Competing as Czechoslovakia, they finished third in the inaugural edition in 1960, before being crowned kings of the continent back in 1976, when Antonin Panenka’s famous penalty saw off West Germany in the final. Another third-place finish followed in 1980.

In 1996 - their first edition as the Czech Republic - they were beaten by a reunified German team in the tournament showpiece. A run to the semi-finals followed in 2004, followed by quarter-final appearances in 2012 and 2021. 

This time around, the minimum objective will be reaching the round of 16. If the Czechs were to finish second in Group F, they would face the winner of Group D in the first knockout round. That could be the Netherlands or Austria, but it is most likely to be France.

There is no point looking that far ahead right now, however. Ivan Hasek will ensure his players are fully focused on the group stage for the time being, starting with this tricky tussle with Portugal. Anything the Czechs get from this match would be seen as a bonus given that few would be surprised if Martinez’s men accumulated nine points from their three group games.

The Czech Republic finished second in their qualifying group, level on points with Albania in top spot. They did, however, fail to win exactly half of their eight games. Portugal are clear favorites with the best online sportsbooks to come out on top in Leipzig.

Portugal Can Pick Up All Three Points on Matchday One 

When Portugal win games, it is usually by a comfortable margin. Twelve of their last 15 victories have been by two clear goals or more. That is why we recommend backing them with a -1 handicap on Tuesday. That bet would pay out if Portugal triumph by at least a two-goal margin. A one-goal win would see your stake returned.

Portugal’s attacking firepower speaks for itself. Since the start of 2023 and Martinez’s arrival, his team have scored an average of 3.27 goals per game. They have failed to score in only one of those matches - and that was a relatively insignificant friendly.

The focus ahead of this match will understandably be on Ronaldo, but Portugal would be more than capable of winning this tournament even if the 39-year-old picked up an injury. In fact, many of their fans feel the team functions better when Goncalo Ramos of Paris Saint-Germain is leading the line. 

The Czech Republic only conceded six goals in their eight qualifiers, but they did not face anyone at Portugal’s level. In fact, a group comprising Albania, Poland, Moldova, and the Faroe Islands was one of the weakest on the continent. The Czechs are a decent side, but they will struggle to live with Portugal here.

Place your bets on one of the sportsbooks listed below or check our curated list of the Best Euro 2024 Betting Sites and Promos.

How to Watch Portugal vs. Czech Republic

• Teams: Portugal vs. Czech Republic

• Location: Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany

• Date and Time: Tuesday, June 18, 3.00 PM ET 

• How to Watch: Fox Sports