The highly anticipated quarter-final clash between Portugal and France at the 2024 European Championship is set to take place on Friday, July 5th, at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, Germany.
This rematch of the 2016 Euro final promises to be an exciting encounter as both teams look to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the tournament.
Match Preview
Portugal, the reigning European champions, are making their ninth appearance at the Euros since their debut in 1984.
They have reached the semi-finals on three occasions, most recently in 2012 before winning their first title in 2016.
In the 2021 edition, Portugal were eliminated in the round of 16 by Belgium.
France, on the other hand, are making their 11th appearance at the Euros since their debut in 1960.
France have won the competition two times in their history, in 1984 as hosts and in 2000.
Their last final appearance was in 2016, where they lost to Portugal as the host nation.
In 2021, France were knocked out in the round of 16 on penalties by Switzerland.
Portugal finished top of Group F after three games, picking up two wins and one loss, leaving them on six points, equal with Turkey but above them on head-to-head record.
In their round of 16 match against Slovenia, Portugal had 20 shots in 120 minutes but only six were on target, as Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty in extra time.
However, goalkeeper Diogo Costa starred in the penalty shootout, saving all three Slovenia penalties to give Portugal the 3-0 win.
France could only finish second in Group D, picking up one win and two draws, leaving them on five points, one point behind group winners Austria.
In the round of 16, France overcame Belgium thanks to a Jan Vertonghen own goal in the 85th minute.
An interesting stat for Didier Deschamps’ side is that no France player has scored from open play after four games, with their goals coming from a Kylian Mbappe penalty and two own goals.
Head-to-Head
Portugal and France have met 28 times in total, with the first meeting coming in an international friendly in 1926.
Historically France leads with 19 wins compared to Portugal’s six, while the other three games ended in a draw.
In the last 5 previous meetings, France has two wins, Portugal one win and one match ended in a draw.
This fixture rarely sees both teams on the scoresheet, with four of the last five games seeing just one side find the back of the net.
Injury and Suspension
Portugal will need to assess the fitness of their players who completed 120 minutes against Slovenia, but there are no serious concerns at the moment.
France will be without the suspended Adrien Rabiot, who picked up another yellow card in the round of 16.
Prediction
Both Portugal and France have struggled to find their best form in the tournament so far, with neither team convincing in their performances.
France’s cautious approach under Didier Deschamps may prove effective against a Portugal side that lacks a clear identity.
Despite France’s lack of goals from open play, their defense has been solid, conceding just one goal in their last six matches.
Portugal’s attack, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, has also been underwhelming, failing to score in their last two matches.
Given the tactical battle that is likely to unfold, a low-scoring affair seems probable. France’s experience and defensive solidity may give them the edge in this quarter-final clash.
Betting Tips
France to win: France’s defensive organization and experience may be the difference in a tight game.
Under 2.5 goals: With both teams struggling to find the net consistently, a game with fewer than three goals seems likely.
Kylian Mbappe to score: Despite France’s lack of goals from open play, Mbappe remains their most dangerous attacking threat and could be the one to break the deadlock.
