UEFA EURO 2020 – Portugal vs France Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does Portugal vs France kick off? Wednesday 23rd June, 2021 – 20:00 (UK)
Where is Portugal vs France being played? Puskás Aréna, Budapest
Where can I get tickets for Portugal vs France? Click here for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Portugal vs France on in the UK? BBC
Where can I stream Portugal 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: Portugal 6 wins, France 19 wins, 2 draws
Last meeting: Portugal 0-1 France (14/11/20)
THE LOWDOWN
PORTUGAL
- The defending champions face a crunch match here in what is a repeat of the EURO 2016 final but on this occasion a spot in the round of 16 is up for grabs.
- A point would guarantee Fernando Santos’ side a place in the knockout stages, and even in the event of defeat, they could end up advancing as one of the best third-placed sides, but they will certainly not want to leave that up to fate.
- Nuno Mendes and Joao Felix are again likely to sit this one and it remains to be seen whether Santos opts for the same XI for a third game running, especially after they shipped four goals to Germany last time out.
FRANCE
- Antoine Griezmann somewhat spared France’s blushes against Hungary but the 1-1 draw was still seen as a disappointment for a team viewed as one of the favourites for the tournament.
- The World Cup champions are certain to qualify for the round of 16 but will be determined to do so as group winners so there is unlikely to be much rotation from Didier Deschamps here.
- The fact that Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Karim Benzema have yet to really click as an attacking unit will be a source of some concern to Deschamps and he has one less rotation option now that Ousmane Dembele has been ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury sustained against Hungary.
THE TEAM NEWS
PORTUGAL
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Rui Patricio; Nelson Semedo, Ruben Dias, Pepe, Guerreiro; Danilo, Renato Sanches, Bruno Fernandes; Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo, Diogo Jota
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Nuno Mendes (Injured), Joao Felix (Injured)
FRANCE
PREDICTED XI (4-3-1-2): Lloris; Pavard, Varane, Kimpembe, Hernandez; Kante, Pogba, Tolisso; Griezmann; Mbappe, Benzema
UNAVAILABLE: Dembele (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE KEY STATS
- Portugal have scored two goals or more in five of their last seven EURO final tournament group stage matches – Portugal over 1.5 goals
- Cristiano Ronaldo has scored a total of five goals in Portugal’s last three EURO final tournament group stage matches – Cristiano Ronaldo to score anytime
- France have won 11 of their last 13 international matches against Portugal (W11 D1 L1) – France to win
- There has not been more than one goal scored in any of the last four international matches between Portugal and France – Under 1.5 goals in the match
- There has not been a goal scored in the first half in any of the last four international matches between Portugal and France – No goals scored in the first half
THE PREDICTION
Both these sides come into this contest off the back of defeats but Portugal have the greater need here given that they are not yet assured of a place in the round of 16. The defending champions were exposed defensively by Germany last time out and, if France click into gear in the attacking areas, a similar outcome could be on the cards. However, given the attacking talent in the Portuguese roster – led by the irrepressible Cristiano Ronaldo – they always have a chance of finding the net themselves so there could be some good value in the both teams to score market here, in what could be a highly entertaining contest between two European heavyweights.
Tip: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
For fixtures, results, TV schedule, top scorers and plenty more, visit our tournament home page here!
