Portugal vs. France

Introduction

Portugal will clash with France in Hamburg on Friday night for the Euro 2024 quarter final. Portugal has lost once in this tournament and failed to score in its previous two matches. They have never gone blank in three consecutive matches at any major tournament. France remained unbeaten despite several underwhelming performances. Les Bleus scored three goals in all four games played so far.

About the game

Portugal’s Performance

Portugal’s impressive qualifying run was followed by a goal drought, culminating in a scoreless draw with Slovenia in the round of 16. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa emerged as the hero in the ensuing penalty shootout, saving Portugal after Cristiano Ronaldo’s missed extra-time penalty. Despite his tearful reaction, Ronaldo redeemed himself by scoring in the shootout. This dramatic turnaround highlights Portugal’s resilience and raises questions about their attacking prowess as they advance in the tournament.

France’s Performance

France’s Euro 2024 campaign has been marked by defensive solidity but offensive struggles. They’ve advanced with unconventional scoring, relying on two own goals and a Mbappé penalty. This goal drought from open play is their worst since 2013. Despite boasting the tournament’s best defense with three clean sheets in four games, France’s attacking players have yet to find their rhythm. This creates a stark contrast between their defensive prowess and offensive limitations.

Head-to-Head History

Portugal and France will meet for the fifth time in European Championship history. The Seleção are unbeaten in the last two encounters, while France won the first two, claiming the trophy both times.

Key Players to Watch

Cristiano Ronaldo, despite leading in shot attempts, remains goalless at Euro 2024. His big-game experience could prove crucial. Bruno Fernandes orchestrates midfield play, supporting Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leão. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who made history with three penalty saves against Slovenia, might be essential if the match reaches a shootout. His resilience could again be Portugal’s trump card.

France boasts the tournament’s best defense, with three clean sheets in four matches. Saliba and Upamecano’s partnership is critical to this defensive strength. Offensively, they will rely on Mbappe, supported by Griezmann and Dembele, to balance their solid defense with attacking prowess.

Possible Team Lineups and Changes

Martinez likely maintains Portugal’s lineup from the Slovenia match. Diogo Costa, who made history with three penalty saves, anchors the defense. Mendes, Pepe, Dias, and Cancelo form the backline. Vitinha, Palhinha, and Fernandes control midfield, supporting the attacking trio of Silva, Leão, and Ronaldo. This unchanged squad reflects Martinez’s confidence in the team that narrowly advanced.

Didier Deschamps has consistently used a 4-3-3 formation, and France looks comfortable in its tactical setup. Mike Maignan is protected by a defensive line of Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, and Theo Hernández. Aurélien Tchouaméni, N’Golo Kanté, and Adrien Rabiot were the preferred midfield trio against Belgium. With Rabiot suspended, Dembélé may return, possibly with moving Griezmann into midfield.

Portugal vs. France Betting Odds and Predictions

Both teams have been below par so far, will this fixture bring out the best in them, we will have to wait to see. We expect their attacking players to stand up to be counted but all stats will point to a cagey affair. Also this might be a good game for player stat like Mbappé and Ronaldo to both have over 2.5 shots in the match at 2.15 odd(Using the Betbuilder option of Sportsbooks like Betano.

The Best Betting Odds

Conclusion

A Portugal side that has been scoreless in two matches faces a France team that has conceded just one goal in its last six. This points to more offensive struggles for Portugal, though their defense may hold strong against a reserved French attack. Another narrow victory for France could spell the end of Ronaldo’s Euros career.