The Portugal national football team, also known as Selecao das Quinas, represents Portugal in international association football competition and is administered by the Portuguese Football Federation.
Bernardo Silva sees this Euro 2024 quarterfinal matchup between Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe as more than just two superstars competing against one another. For him, this contest marks more than just an exchange between superstars.
In this article, we will discuss the high lights of Portugal National Football Team Vs France National Football Team Timeline.
Here are the starting lineups for the UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-final match between Portugal and France, held on July 5, 2024:
Portugal National Football Team
No. | Player | Position |
---|---|---|
22 | Diogo Costa | Goalkeeper |
20 | João Cancelo | Right-back |
4 | Rúben Dias | Center-back |
3 | Pepe | Center-back |
5 | Nuno Mendes | Left-back |
6 | João Palhinha | Midfielder |
8 | Vitinha | Midfielder |
16 | Bruno Fernandes | Midfielder |
11 | Bernardo Silva | Right-wing |
7 | Cristiano Ronaldo (C) | Forward |
17 | Rafael Leão | Left-wing |
France National Football Team
No. | Player | Position |
---|---|---|
16 | Mike Maignan | Goalkeeper |
2 | Jules Koundé | Right-back |
4 | Dayot Upamecano | Center-back |
17 | William Saliba | Center-back |
22 | Théo Hernandez | Left-back |
13 | N’Golo Kanté | Midfielder |
8 | Aurélien Tchouaméni | Midfielder |
6 | Eduardo Camavinga | Midfielder |
7 | Antoine Griezmann | Attacking midfielder |
12 | Randal Kolo Muani | Forward |
10 | Kylian Mbappé (C) | Forward |
Please note that player positions and roles are based on the starting lineup for this specific match. Substitutions and tactical changes may have occurred during the game.
Timeline
Start out slowly as both teams assess each other. But then Dembele makes his move; skipping past several red shirts en route to the box before passing across to Mbappe who’s marked and therefore, any chance dwindles away.
“Ding, ding, clap clap!” And yet Portugal have enjoyed more possession but failed to create something special with that final pass.
The second half starts off more quickly from both teams, although still remains relatively even. Neither has yet made their mark; both are content to play out the clock and wait to see who wins on penalties.
Dembele made another excellent run down the right flank, dodging a couple of challenges before reaching the edge of the box but not being able to shoot properly; his shot went wide of its target. Finally, Dembele cleared away.
90 min: Portugal are pushing hard for an unlikely win, winning corners through Leao and Cancelo but without any lasting danger being presented to France’s goalkeeper, but then substitutions come thick and fast for both sides, Abel Xavier replacing Kounde while Joao Palhinha comes on for Vitinha.
French counterattack effectively, with Muani turning and shooting but missing his target. Leao was then dispossessed on the edge of the box by Hernandez and could not return it back to Fernandes.
As France are getting more nervous in the final 10 minutes, they are further affected by refereeing errors when an unfair penalty was awarded to Portugal for an alleged handball that wasn’t there.
Predictions
At stake in this Euro quarterfinal are two of international football’s greatest rivalries – France and Argentina. When these teams last met competitively in 2002’s final, France prevailed thanks to Zinedine Zidane’s golden goal penalty win. Both sides share an extensive history since first facing off at the 1984 European Championship and since then they have met on 28 separate occasions, including finals of both 1998 and 2006 tournaments.
Both teams use similar styles of play, relying on strong midfields and fast forwards for their success. Portugal tend to be more creative than France; however, their defensive system has proven vulnerable against counter attacks in recent games. Conversely, France have had an excellent tournament thanks to an experienced defensive unit consisting of Samuel Umtiti and Nkoudou Mbappe who can provide solid protection.
On both teams’ recent runs, scoring has been difficult; hopefully that changes on Friday. Expectedly, this matchup should be physical with both sides boasting talented attacking squads; it is likely there will be many yellow cards issued so players should remain cautious throughout.
Both teams stand a good chance of reaching the semifinals, but must overcome some inconsistencies to do so. Portugal are coming off an unsuccessful draw against Slovenia and their set-up isn’t conducive to scoring goals: funnelling out wide and trying crosses was met with resistance from an organized Slovenian defense. On the other hand, France have not managed an open play goal as yet but have an outside shot on goal that they believe they have the capability of scoring on. Therefore it seems likely that both teams must give it their all if they hope of progressing. To follow live coverage from Volksparkstadium click HERE
Head-to-Head Record
Portugal and France share an enduring rivalry in football. Over 28 matches between them, with Portugal winning 19 and France 16 victories; their first competitive meeting came during Euro 1984’s semi-final stage where France edged Portugal out thanks to a penalty by Zinedine Zidane; moreover they have met several times in World Cup qualifying matches as well.
Two teams in Europe are considered the best, boasting players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Bruno Fernandes – each considered favorites to reach the semifinals of this tournament. But before that happens there still needs to be work done.
Although both teams feature star players, their talent levels are comparable. Both sides have struggled to find consistency over the years but this can be improved over time; Portugal had previously held an edge against France but this has changed over time.
Portugal and France have alternated victories in their past six games, without any draws occurring during those matches. Portugal currently stands in better position, but either team could spring a surprise!
In the first quarter, both teams struggled to find the back of the net. Portugal took the lead during the second quarter when Pepe scored a stunning header from close range; but French countered with goals by Moussa Sissoko and Benjamin Pavard to bring extra time into play – it looked as if an equaliser might emerge until Joao Cancelo fouled Mbappe outside of the box, leading referee Michael Oliver to award Ronaldo a penalty which went straight into the bottom corner – giving them victory!
Match Statistics
Portugal and France share an equal number of top-flight league matches at 211 each, as well as meeting twice during European Championship group stage competition, both times drawing 1-1 in games that both ended 1-1.
Both teams boast talented players, yet none has managed to break through and take regular chances in order to break through the deadlock. Portugal are unquestionably the superior team but have struggled to create enough openings during regular chances; instead relying on short lapses of French concentration for breakthrough.
Now that both teams have settled, signs are emerging of a more flowing contest. Leao manages to get past Kounde on the left and send a cross into Upamecano for a corner kick; when Vitinha takes this corner kick he fires an attempt that deflects wide of goal.
France make their initial switch, replacing Mbappe with Antoine Greizmann. Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Kevin Mbappe attempted to break free but his attempt was blocked off by Costa and collected without incident.
Pace of play is beginning to pick up, with both sides having half-chances at scoring. Joao Palhinha goes into the book for his challenge on Mbappe that could see him removed from semi-final consideration should his side reach the final.
Camavinga had another chance for Portugal, collecting an advantageous deflection off an angled shot inside the box but missing its far post with his attempt.
Ronaldo gets a free kick in an advantageous position, yet blasts it straight into the wall. When he attempts another free kick from a dangerous area, Saliba blocks his attempt and forces an indirect free kick attempt from Ronaldo into an embarrassing failure! Both teams hope for a penalty shootout! Time runs out – each side hoping it may result in penalty shootout!