UEFA EURO 2020 – Hungary vs France Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does Hungary vs France kick off? Saturday 19th June, 2021 – 14:00 (UK)
Where is Hungary vs France being played? Puskás Aréna, Budapest
Where can I get tickets for Hungary vs France? Click here for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Hungary vs France on in the UK? BBC
Where can I stream Hungary vs France in the UK? This match can be streamed live on the BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website
HEAD-TO-HEAD
All matches: Hungary 12 wins, France 8 wins, 3 draws
Last meeting: France 2-1 Hungary (31/05/05)
THE LOWDOWN
HUNGARY
- As they were in Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat to Portugal, the Hungarians will once again be supported by a full capacity stadium in Budapest. The atmosphere was lively throughout the match and, despite the score line, they won’t be entirely discouraged by the performances of the team.
- Three late goals, just minutes after Szabalocs Schon had a goal ruled out for the hosts, killed the atmosphere late on but, up against the world champions, it is likely to once again be loud. Portugal had been the better side but had begun to run out of options before a flurry towards the end saw Hungary’s hopes of causing some mayhem in the group of death put on hold until the weekend.
- There was a distinct lack of innovation in the first-half from Hungary and Roland Sallai may therefore give way for the aforementioned Schon or Tamas Cseri to pose some sort of threat and move up the pitch.
FRANCE
- The world champions and Euro 2016 runners up began their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Germany in which they managed just 39% of the possession but an early Mats Hummels own goal meant that played right into the Deschamps ‘control and counter’ game plan that served them well in 2018.
- There are some weak spots in the French side that weren’t exploited by Germany; most notably the defensive deficiencies of Benjamin Pavard and lack of playing time of Lucas Hernandez in both full-back spots. However, both will continue to play and ease into the tournament whilst the bulk of the changes for Deschamps could come in this game with just one substitution made before stoppage time against Germany leading many to presume this will be the match for rotation.
- Those that could be rotated will revolve around the likes of Adrien Rabiot and potentially one, if not both, of the full-backs. However, they will also know victory here ensure qualification so it could be a case of ‘get the job done’ for the front three of Griezmann, Mbappe and Benzema.
THE TEAM NEWS
HUNGARY
PREDICTED XI (3-5-2): Gulacsi; Botka, Orban, Botka; Lovrencsics, Kleinheisler, Nagy, Schafer, Fiola; Ad. Szalai, Sallai
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
FRANCE
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Lloris; Pavard, Varane, Kimpembe, Hernandez; Pogba, Kante, Tolisso; Griezmann, Benzema, Mbappe
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Pavard (Concussion)
THE KEY STATS
- France have won each of their last five international matches against Hungary – France to win
- France have won each of their last five international matches without conceding a goal (F10 A0) – France to win to nil
- France have been leading at half time in six of their last seven international matches – France to be winning at half-time
- Hungary have conceded three goals or more in each of their last three EURO final tournament matches – France to score over 2.5 goals
- Hungary have kept just one clean sheet in their previous nine EURO final tournament matches – France to score
THE PREDICTION
Hungary did manage to frustrate Portugal at times but the team they were frustrating was one still learning to play with each other and in a different way as to how Fernando Santos tends to prefer his sides to play. They are coming up against the ‘well-oiled’ and efficient machine that is the world champions who, despite not being permanently convincing or exciting, will expect to ease to a comfortable victory here. It might not be a high-scoring match but the French will be confident.
Tip: FRANCE TO WIN & UNDER 3.5 GOALS
For fixtures, results, TV schedule, top scorers and plenty more, visit our tournament home page here!
