Czech Republic vs Portugal Tips & Live Stream - EuroBasket opener delivers physical, relentless basketball

• Czech Republic vs Portugal Preview
• Czech Republic Form & Team News
• Portugal Form & Team News
• Head to Head

These two teams would, without a doubt, be satisfied with finishing 4th in the group and advancing to the next round in EuroBasket. 

Which of them will significantly increase their chances of achieving such a result in the group stage, the Czech Republic, with their considerably greater experience in major tournaments, or Portugal, who are still growing in European basketball?

Czech Republic Form & Team News

Throughout the EuroBasket qualifiers, the Czech Republic showed plenty of weaknesses, but despite three losses, they still managed to secure a spot at the final tournament.

The losing streak continued in friendly matches, with even Spain B managing to defeat the Czechs in a test game, 80–75.

After Vesely’s withdrawal, the team’s ambitions have dropped significantly, and now, with Satoransky also struggling with injuries, even advancing from the group stage would be considered a major success.

The Czechs’ main competitors for that goal will be Portugal and Estonia, who could pose a serious challenge. Serbia, Turkey, and Latvia are the favorites in the group.

Portugal Form & Team News

Portugal is one of the most pleasant surprises of the qualifiers, a team that may not have a long tradition of success on the European stage, but plays with plenty of energy and a strong desire to prove itself. 

Their strength lies in team-oriented play and aggressive defense, while on offense they often look for solutions through fast transition and outside shooting.

Portugal arrive at the tournament with no pressure, yet with a clear goal to push their own limits. Head coach Mario Gomes insists on a physically demanding style of basketball and constant rotation to keep the team fresh until the final buzzer. 

The key names are experienced guard Diogo Ventura, sharpshooter Rafael Lisboa, and young power forward/center Neemias Queta, who already has NBA experience. 

This energy, combined with a mix of youth and veteran presence, could turn them into a “hidden” contender ready to spoil someone’s plans.

Head to Head

Since 2012, these two teams have met five times. In the four official games, the Czech Republic came out on top, while in their most recent friendly in 2023, it was Portugal who emerged victorious.