Portugal vs France: Quarter-final Clash at EURO 2024

Key Points

• Match: Portugal vs France at EURO 2024.
• Context: Both teams have struggled to hit top form but have the chance to prove themselves as genuine contenders in this match.
• Players to Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé will attract attention, but defences might be crucial.
• Key Performers: Portugal's goalkeeper Diogo Costa and France's defenders, particularly Jules Koundé and William Saliba.
• Possible Line-ups:
  • Portugal: Diogo Costa; Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Pepe, Nuno Mendes; Palhinha, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes; Rafael Leão, Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva.
  • France: Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernández; Kanté, Tchouameni, Griezmann; Dembélé, Thuram, Mbappé.
• Suspensions & Bookings: Players missing the next match if booked include João Cancelo, Ronaldo, Francisco Conceição, João Palhinha, Pedro Neto, Rúben Neves for Portugal, and Dembélé, Griezmann, Mbappé, Tchouameni for France.

Portugal vs France: Quarter-final Clash at EURO 2024

As EURO 2024 progresses, both Portugal and France find themselves in a crucial quarter-final match. Neither team has showcased their best form so far, making this encounter a perfect opportunity for both to assert their credentials as serious contenders for the title.

Key Players and Defenses

While star players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé are expected to be the center of attention, the defences could play a pivotal role. Portugal's goalkeeper Diogo Costa proved his mettle against Slovenia, saving three penalties in the shoot-out. On the other side, France has demonstrated defensive solidity, keeping three clean sheets in their four games, with standout performances from Jules Koundé and William Saliba.

Possible Line-ups

Portugal:

• Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
• Defenders: Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Pepe, Nuno Mendes
• Midfielders: Palhinha, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes
• Forwards: Rafael Leão, Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva

France:

• Goalkeeper: Maignan
• Defenders: Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernández
• Midfielders: Kanté, Tchouameni, Griezmann
• Forwards: Dembélé, Thuram, Mbappé

Suspensions and Bookings

For Portugal, João Cancelo, Ronaldo, Francisco Conceição, João Palhinha, Pedro Neto, and Rúben Neves will miss the next match if booked. France has similar concerns with Dembélé, Griezmann, Mbappé, and Tchouameni.

Yellow Card Regulations

Cautions that have not led to a suspension will expire after the quarter-finals and will not be carried forward to the semi-finals.

Routes to the Quarter-finals

Portugal:

• Group F:
  • 2-1 vs Czechia (Goals: Hranáč own goal 69, Francisco Conceição 90+2; Provod 62)
  • 3-0 vs Türkiye (Goals: Bernardo Silva 21, Samet Akaydin own goal 28, Bruno Fernandes 56)
  • 0-2 vs Georgia (Goals: Kvaratskhelia 2, Mikautadze 57 pen)
• Round of 16:
  • 0-0 aet, 3-0 pens vs Slovenia

France:

• Group D:
  • 1-0 vs Austria (Goal: Wöber own goal 38)
  • 0-0 vs Netherlands
  • 1-1 vs Poland (Goals: Mbappé 56 pen; Lewandowski 79 pen)
• Round of 16:
  • 1-0 vs Belgium (Goal: Vertonghen own goal 85)

Expert Predictions

Carlos Machado, Portugal reporter, suggests that Portugal will need to make tactical adjustments against a strong France side. This will be a significant test for Portugal, who might have to defend for longer periods and capitalize on fewer chances.

Conclusion

This match-up between Portugal and France is poised to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams having a lot to prove. With strong defensive units and star players on both sides, it remains to be seen who will emerge victorious and advance to the semi-finals in Hamburg.