UEFA Euro 2020 preview: Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal favourite to win 2 in a row

The UEFA Euro 2020 would be held in multiple cities across Europe this term. Portugal is the defending champion, having won its maiden title in 2016 under the leadership of its sensational striker Cristiano Ronaldo, while it looks favourite for this term too.

The 2020 UEFA Euro is already catching the hype as the date to the grand event draws closer. With numerous top sides in contention for the title, defending champion Portugal would undoubtedly be the first team to watch out for.

Having won its maiden title in 2016 under the leadership of its sensational striker Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal is once again the favourite here. However, how is it shaping up for the tournament this term. We present the preview of the side here.

Team composition
The Portuguese side would undoubtedly be star-studded. As for the goalkeeping department, it would be headlined by the Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Rui Patricio, who is the most experienced of the lot and has been in decent form at both levels.

As for the defence, the likes of Pepe, José Fonte, Raphaël Guerreiro, Rúben Dias and João Cancelo are the ones who would be headlining the department. Furthermore, veteran Pepe's 113-game experience is sure to come in handy.

In the midfield, João Moutinho, Danilo Pereira, Renato Sanches and Rúben Neves would be the ones to watch out, while Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes would undoubtedly be the man to lead the department, alongside Moutinho, who is the veteran here.

Considering the forward line-up, Ronaldo is the highlight here, followed by Bernardo Silva, João Félix and Diogo Jota, who have been in sensational forms of late.

Players to watch out
Ronaldo: The first and foremost, skipper Ronaldo is a no-brainer here. Furthermore, besides his ability to light up the tournament, he would also be aiming to script some unique records in the tournament this year.

Fernandes: Although Moutinho is the veteran in the midfield, it is Fernandes who has been in sensational form for United, contributing with goals and assists, thus being the club's best play-maker of the season, as it finished second in the English Premier League. Undoubtedly, the department would be heavily relying on his services.

Fonte: The defender played a massive role in Lille's defence this season, helping it win its first Ligue 1 title in ten years. Least to say, he is undoubtedly going to be a force in the Portuguese back this season, while along with Pepe, he is sure to become a wall in the department.

Vital stat
Although Portugal might be the defending champion for the first time, it has been consistent enough to reach the semis since 2000, having failed to feature just once.

Chances and prediction
Being the defending champion and the reigning title-holder of the UEFA Nations League, Portugal will have a point to prove. It is placed in the Group of Death (Group F), alongside Germany, France and the unpredictable Hungary. However, should it go past the group stage, it is a certain favourite to reach the final.

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