Portugal will face France in the quarter-finals of UEFA Euro 2024 at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, which is sure to be a battle between two giants. This match, which has been highly anticipated by many fans, could see some dazzling skills and tactics on display as well as individual talents.
Date: Friday 5th July 2024,
Time: 21:00 CET (Central European Time)
Location:Volksparkstadion, Hamburg
Stage:UEFA EURO 2024 Quarter-final
Ways to watch
All football enthusiasts can either catch up with their local UEFA Euro broadcasters or follow developments through official UEFA website and app.
The Context
Even though both teams have not been firing on all cylinders so far in this competition, it is an opportunity for them to cement their status as strong contenders for the title. The clash will feature a galaxy of stars across the pitch but all eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé. It’s still likely that defensive performances may determine the outcome of this game.
While Portugal’s goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved three penalties during a shootout against Slovenia, France’s solid defense has kept three clean sheets out of four matches including outstanding contributions from Jules Koundé and William Saliba. The battle for supremacy in midfield and defence might be just as exciting as that upfront.
Probable 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
Expert Views
Carlos Machado – Portuguese football expert – believes that Portugal must be tactically smart enough to endure long spells of defending against a very good French side. He points out the need for clinical finishing when they get chances, as shown by their past victories against Les Bleus.
French football analyst Alex Clementson describes this match as nearly being worthy of a final. Despite acknowledging France’s problems in front of goal recently, he is optimistic about them improving further. For the French coach Didier Deschamps, it will be essential to address their lack of goals to overcome a stubborn Portuguese side.
The Journey So Far
Portugal topped Group F with wins over Czechia and Türkiye before losing to Georgia. In the round of 16, they then beat Slovenia on penalties. On the other hand, France finished with an unbeaten record in group D after drawing Netherlands and Poland but narrowly beating Austria and Belgium.
Coach Perspectives
Roberto Martínez says his Portugal team are ready for what is coming from France. He acknowledges how strong France are but Martínez thinks that Portugal can create more opportunities and exploit spaces behind their opposition lines.
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Deschamp insists teamwork, solidity and hard work must go hand in hand with individual talent development. There has been an increasing level of physical intensity in this tournament till now; therefore each detail has to be taken into account by his team.
