“To be honest, Portugal is the clear favourite. There is no doubt. It's never easy, the selections are getting better and better, with more and more quality. I believe that Portugal will get the three points from Bratislava, I have no doubts. If they play at the level that Portugal knows, they will get the three points”, said Alex Pinto.

Speaking to the Lusa agency, the 25-year-old right-back made it clear that Slovakia will have little chance of stopping the leader of Group J, but warned of the value of the host team, which has some well-known athletes and striker Bozeník, from Boavista.

“Slovakia has been qualifying well, they changed coach before qualifying began, it’s an Italian coach [Francesco Calzona], three new players appeared who cleaned things up a bit and improved with this coach”, said the defender.

Asked about the chances of the runner-up in pool J being able to surprise Portugal in Bratislava, the full-back, who has already represented Benfica, Vitória de Guimarães, Gil Vicente and Farense, spoke of “a bit of luck and defending well”.

“[Slovakia needs] to have a bit of luck, defend well and close down spaces. I don't believe they will play head-to-head with Portugal, not even openly, because it will be more difficult for them. I really believe that Portugal will win the game, but in football there is never 100% certainty,” he expressed.

And he added: “Portugal has to be at its best level. If it comes to 50%, I believe [Slovakia] can do something funny, but I hope not. I want Portugal to win, of course. And I think we will win, honestly.”


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