Fixtures, predictions and top players

There is a new sheriff in charge of Portugal's venerable national team, with Roberto Martinez now tasked with strengthening the 2016 European champions who failed to lead Belgium's most gifted generation to glory.

Martinez's reign started well enough as Portugal breezed through an easy qualifying group. Their kind approach to this summer's competition makes Martinez's side difficult to assess, but there is no doubt that the Iberians have a good chance of enjoying a deep run in Germany.

Jose Mourinho is very strong, praising this Portuguese team as the best in the history of the country, so the pressure is on Martinez and his players to succeed. The former Premier League manager has the tools at his disposal.

Here it is 90 min a guide to Portugal at Euro 2024.

There are few weaknesses when you look at the Portugal squad.

Roberto Martinez's squad is very balanced, the manager's only question is how to entertain all of Portugal's attacking stars. He can't fit all of them in the starting XI.

The group prides itself on youthful exuberance and experienced heads, as well as steel and cunning. Martinez had to make a change to his first team, however, with Al Nassr Otavio withdrawing due to injury. Man City team Matheus Nunes was elected in his place.

Portugal squad for Euro 2024

Fernando Santos may have guided Portugal to unexpected glory at Euro 2016, but he fell into disrepute at the end of his reign with many believing the wise old man's old intentions were holding back a talented team.

The Selecao weren't the underdogs they were at Euro 2016 at Euro 2020 and at the 2022 World Cup, but Santos seem to fail to see that and are doing poorly as a result.

Martinez is still far from pristine but Portugal are expected to strengthen themselves with games this summer. The manager will certainly accept the superiority of his team.

Martinez veered away from the back five and opted for a 4-3-3 formation, while Portugal adopted a more fluid formation with plenty of interchanges. They have players who can work all over the field, ensuring that the transition of positions is seamless.

Portugal have players who play the ball to the feet to get between the lines, but direct balls from the back are a feature of Martinez's side too – especially when Rafael Leao is involved. This diversity makes it difficult to defend and Portugal will be busy off the ball to ensure they spend more time in possession.

Portugal are not familiar with Group F, and the Selecao have faced their rivals in the group 15 times.

Portugal has won 12 matches in these games, losing once to Czechia and twice to Turkey. They met the Euro starters in Georgia just once.

The Selecao recently battled Turkey for a place at risk for the 2022 World Cup. Portugal beat the team playing in Group F 3-1 in the semi-final match.

Portugal's Euro 2024 matches in the group stage

Portugal's record against Euro 2024 group stage opponents

Portugal's potential opponents in the knockout stages

Portugal are the strongest team in Group F and are clear favorites to top the group. Should they wind up as expected, Martinez's team will face one of the three third-placed teams in the round of 16.

Portugal will face third place in Group A, B or C and also leave them 'on the right' of the draw if France and England win their groups.

A second place finish will be highly avoided given that Portugal may face France in the last 16. The Selecao will face the winners of Group D, the Netherlands and dark horse Austria will battle Les Bleus for the top spot.

A third-place finish would be a major disappointment and Martinez's men will face the winners of Group B or C – possibly Spain or England – in the first round of the playoffs.

who is 36 years old Cristiano Ronaldo he was named in the 26-man squad, although Portugal did better when PSG striker Goncalo Ramos led the team in Qatar 18 months ago. Many will be clamoring for Ronaldo this summer, even if the veteran star isn't a big part of the campaign.

However, Ronaldo is Portugal's best forward and top scorer. He is football royalty and will have a big say in Euro 2024, there is no doubt about that.

If Ronaldo starts before Ramos, Bruno Fernandes will be key to the 36-year-old's success. The Man Utd star has been Portugal's best player in the qualifiers – scoring 13 goals in 10 games. He can pick apart deep defenses and stop Portugal's counter-attacks with his passing range.

Rafael Leao should also benefit from the vision and execution of Fernandes, the Milan star enjoys the end of the 2023/24 season. However, he is yet to catch fire in the national team, and has only four goals in 26 games.

“The best way to judge a player is to watch how he reacts in the locker room. Joao, at 19 years old, was honored by the locker room in two days. I had never seen that in my career. He was a hitter.”

That was Martinez discussing precocious Joao Neves, who could play a big role for Portugal this summer as they impressed in pre-tournament warm-ups. The start of the 19-year-old's senior career has been understated, but his subtle brilliance was on full display in the recent friendly against Finland.

Purists will appreciate the beauty of his tanned shirt, too.

Neves, however, will do well to step into the midfield with Joao Palhinha acting as a scout, with Bruno Fernandes acting as a mastermind as well. Vitinha works as a box and box specialist. The PSG midfielder played in Paris last season and is aiming to shine at international level.

There may only be room for Neves or Vitinha to start this summer.

The depth and quality of Portugal's squad has been well documented, yet not many have talked about them as the winners of Euro 2024. Why?

Their path to the semi-finals looks straightforward, too. If Martinez doesn't overcomplicate things and makes sure his starting XI is balanced, Portugal could go through to the last four without breaking a sweat.

Maybe some don't trust Martinez, who didn't make it happen with Belgium. However, if Portugal reach the semi-finals, they have as good a chance as anyone to win it all.

Joao Neves has a talented young player of the Championship and Ronaldo will add a few more goals to his record.