Evening Standard
·28 June 2024
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Yahoo sportsEvening Standard
·28 June 2024
Erik Janza ban will force first change of tournament
Slovenia’s streak of naming the same team in every game at Euro 2024 will end when they face Portugal in the last-16.
Monday’s clash in Frankfurt is the central European nation’s first-ever knockout tie at a major tournament and they are largely unfancied to pull off an upset.
Matjaz Kek has kept faith in the same team throughout the Euros, aided by star striker Benjamin Sesko fighting off a minor issue to start the 0-0 draw against England.
But left-back Erik Janza will sit out this game having picked up his second booking of the tournament.
Alanyaspor defender Jure Balkovec is the natural replacement as Slovenia prepare to face Portugal with their trusted 4-4-2 system going up against one of Europe’s most daunting attacks.
Predicted Slovenia XI: Oblak; Karnicnik, Drkusic, Bijol, Balkovec; Stojanovic, Elsnik, Gnezda Cerin, Mlakar; Sporar, Sesko
Suspensions: Janza
Time and date: 8pm BST, Monday July 1, 2024
Venue: Waldstadion, Frankfurt
TV channel: BBC One