Portugal and France will square off in an eagerly anticipated encounter, both having finished second in their respective groups in the Nations League and hoping to avoid relegation from its top division and qualify for next summer’s World Cup tournament.
Muani negligently brings Vitinha down just outside the box, giving Ronaldo an opportunity to take a free kick which sails high over the bar.
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Portugal
Portugal stands as one of few national teams in Europe to have competed at every edition of the Euro championships since 1984, when they qualified as group toppers to qualify for finals tournament. Although they were defeated 1-0 by eventual champion France in their semi-final matchup, Portugal considered their participation a success despite defeat.
Cristiano Ronaldo has led Portugal’s national football team since 2009. As captain, Ronaldo was instrumental in leading his country to reach the semifinals of both 2016 Olympics and 2014 World Cup tournaments, only losing out 3-0 against Germany in quarter-finals and to finish 7th out of 16. For fans, this defeat was especially disappointing; as it marked only their first failure to make semifinals of any major international tournament since 2006.
The Portuguese national football team is based out of Lisbon and led by manager Fernando Santos. The squad currently comprises both experienced veterans and talented young players; its home kit features red with green trim reminiscent of its national flag; over time this shade of red has ranged from deep burgundy to lighter scarlet depending on who wears it; its away kits typically feature white with either blue or green trimming.
Portuguese national team played against Germany in their World Cup opening matchup at Munich’s Volksparkstadion stadium, in an intense and closely-fought match that ended up going to penalty shootout with Theo Hernandez scoring the winning penalty into the top corner. Following this stunning triumphant finish, Pepe and Ronaldo shared an intimate moment together – leaving an imprint in history forever!
France
Portugal and France have met five times in major tournaments and France holds an overall 4-3-2 advantage. Portugal won their most recent meeting, at Euro 2016, so will look for revenge against France in this matchup that is sure to be decidently tight – it likely depends on a moment of genius by either team! Historically speaking, teams that knock France out at this stage often go on to become champions – this has happened many times such as Italy (World Cup 1938 & 2004), Greece (Euro 2004), Spain (Euro 2012) or Germany (2014)!
France have yet to score from open play during this tournament and were close several times against Portugal; however, Pepe and Ruben Dias made key blocks, while Mike Maignan made crucial saves at both ends.
Cristiano Ronaldo was an effective threat on the counter attack, keeping Mbappe away from creating any clear openings himself; he did well to hold up play in the final third but could not create any real opportunities himself. Mbappe managed a good shot on target which went just wide of the post.
Kylian Mbappe was dangerous in the final third, yet failed to create any clear opportunities for his teammates. After burst down the left byline he attempted to cut inside for one of his team-mates but Joao Cancelo did well to block out and divert Mbappe’s attempt wide with an excellent tackle from Cancelo.
Ronaldo and Silva played key roles for Portugal midfield, both playing some good passes but failing to create any real chances for their teammates. Portugal had more shots at goal in the second half but failed to convert any into goalscoring opportunities.
This page displays current squads for both Portugal and France national football teams, along with their all-time top scorers. You can filter squads by competition, and view an in-depth breakdown of their performance in international matches including appearances, starts, goals scored, yellow cards and red cards.
Head-to-Head Record
Portugal and France met last at the 2016 European Championship final, where Portugal emerged victorious to advance to a place in the World Cup quarter-finals. Since that memorable game between them at Euro 96 (when Greece upset them), Euro 2004/2012 and World Cup 2014 – any team who beats France at this stage usually goes on to claim glory – so can Portugal hope for similar results?
This match between two rival sides promises to be exciting and entertaining, featuring players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, Ruben Dias and Antoine Griezmann on both teams.
Both teams have won several games between them and drawn three more, with Portugal one of only a few teams to have defeated Didier Deschamps’ side at major tournaments and enjoying success against them.
Portugal have won one and drawn two of their seven matches against France across all competitions, scoring 13 goals while conceding 10. Their average win/draw score has been 2.6 and average draw/win score has been one.
Portugal have enjoyed an excellent start, yet their lack of creativity in the final third is beginning to show. Bruno Fernandes took a free kick from outside of the area which went over the bar.
Leao, Fernandes and Cancelo all attempt to pressurise Maignan into action but his defense remains impregnable against Iberian side efforts.
At half-time, both teams seem relieved to receive some breathing room. France have been slow and passive while Ronaldo remains scoreless against them. Brazil have an excellent chance at reaching the semifinals if they maintain focus; otherwise they risk having multiple players suspended for their inactions.
Predictions
Portugal and France both hope to qualify for the semi-final, with Portugal in particular looking for their first ever European Championship trophy win against Les Bleus since 2003. A victory would give Portugal an edge and boost their title prospects significantly. The Selecao are unbeaten against Les Bleus since then and any victory would provide a major boost.
As per recent history between these teams, this match should produce one or fewer goals and Rui Patricio must ensure his Selecao side remain competitive to avoid a repeat of Monday’s penalty shootout against Slovenia.
After failing to score during the regular stages, Portugal finally broke their ice in the shootout against Slovenia and Ronaldo won it with ease. He’ll look to build on it and help lead his side toward reaching the final, though without Paulo Dybala as Paulo suffered an injury during this crucial matchup.
French scoring from open play at this tournament has been minimal, save for Kylian Mbappe’s goal against Poland. Parisians remain amongst the lowest scorers amongst their top-eight competitors with three goals scored from open play and two own goals scored during this competition.
Griezmann tested Costa with a soft strike, while Leao and Vitinha had their chances. At the other end, Mbappe tested Upamecano with a hard drive before Ronaldo nearly connected via deflected effort. It was an uneventful start with few clear cut chances for either team in this first half.
Portugal had the initial chance of the final quarter. Cristiano tried to catch a long ball but the French defence held firm. Soon afterwards France broke through and Mbappe tried bursting forward on his right but his effort was blocked by Leao’s excellent tackle.
