Portugal's Euro 2024 Journey Begins Against Czech Republic

Defending Champions Face Familiar Foes in Group F Opener

Leipzig, Germany -

The road to defending their European crown begins for Portugal in Leipzig, Germany, as they take on the Czech Republic in their opening match of UEFA Euro 2024. The two sides, who met in the group stage of the 1996 edition of the tournament, will renew their rivalry at the Red Bull Arena on Tuesday, June 18.

Portugal, led by superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, will be looking to make a strong start to their campaign and continue their recent dominance in international football. The defending champions have won the last two major tournaments, Euro 2016 and the 2019 UEFA Nations League, and will be confident of adding to their trophy cabinet this summer.

The Czech Republic, meanwhile, will be hoping to cause an upset and get their own Euro 2024 campaign off to a positive start. The Czechs have a proud history in the tournament, having reached the final in 1996 and the semi-finals in 2004, and will be looking to make another deep run this time around.

The match is expected to be a close and competitive affair, with both teams possessing plenty of quality. Portugal will be slight favorites, but the Czech Republic will be no pushovers and will be determined to make their mark on the tournament.