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FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo was not left out of Portugal’s round of 16 match this time.
Ronaldo captained Portugal, leading an attacking side selected by coach Roberto Martinez, in their first knockout round match against Slovenia in Frankfurt on Monday.
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Ronaldo was placed on the bench by then-head coach Fernando Santos in the round of 16 against Switzerland. His replacement, Gonzalo Ramos, scored three goals in the 6-1 win.
On Monday, Ramos was on the bench, while Ronaldo’s attack was supported by Rafael Leon and Bernardo Silva.
Martinez seems to have chosen a modified 4-3-3 formation, with defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha at the forefront. Diogo Dalot has been playing in the back three.
Slovenia used a 4-4-2 formation, with the attack led by Benjamin Šeško, who was once linked with a big-money move to Arsenal before signing a new contract with Leipzig just days before the 2024 European Championship.
Seshko will face defender Pepe, who is 20 years older than Seshko (41) and is playing in his fifth European Championship.
The winner will advance to face Belgium or France in the quarter-finals in Hamburg on Friday.
Portugal: Diogo Costa, Joao Cancelo, Pepe, Ruben Dias, Nuno Mendes; Bruno Fernandes, Joao Paline, Vitinha; Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Slovenia: Jan Oblak, Žan Karničnik, Vanja Drkušić, Jaka Bijol, Jure Balkovec; Petar Stojanović, Adam Gnezda Čerin, Timi Elšnik, Jan Mlakar; Andraz Sporar, Benjamin Cesco.
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