We preview the Euro 2024 quarter-final in Hamburg with our prediction and analysis of the Portugal vs France match.
When are yellow cards reset?
Yellow cards accumulated during the tournament that have not led to a suspension are wiped clean after the quarter-finals. They do not carry over to the semi-finals.
Read More: Portugal’s New Penalty Hero: Decoding Diogo Costa’s Record-Breaking Saves
Portugal vs France: Match Preview
Portugal and France secured their spots in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, but neither team – both pre-tournament favorites – did so with much conviction.
Roberto Martínez had Diogo Costa to thank for his penalty heroics against Slovenia, as the Porto goalkeeper rescued Cristiano Ronaldo’s missed spot-kick in Frankfurt. Ronaldo had his extra-time penalty saved by Jan Oblak, leaving the five-time Ballon d’Or winner in tears at halftime before he went on to score in the shootout.
Earlier that day, France narrowly overcame Belgium in Düsseldorf, with Jan Vertonghen’s knee playing a significant role as they struggled to find the back of the net.
Fans will be hopeful for another thrilling encounter between these two European giants, who previously met in the final of Euro 2016. However, based on current form, expectations should be moderated.
Despite their attacking talent, both teams have been off-target in Germany, and every slight advantage could prove decisive in what promises to be a closely contested match.
Portugal haven’t scored in their last two matches, a scenario they have never encountered before at a major tournament, where they’ve failed to find the net in three consecutive games.
Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to score at Euro 2024, despite having taken more shots than any other player.
Les Bleus are facing a similar issue. Their three goals at Euro 2024 have come from two own goals and a Kylian Mbappé penalty.
Not since a stretch of five matches between March and September 2013 have France’s players gone so many games without scoring from open play.
However, their defense has remained solid during this period. France’s expected goals against (xGA) total stands at just 2.63 at Euro 2024, the lowest of any team in the quarter-finals and the second-lowest overall in the tournament, just behind the already-eliminated Serbia (2.57).
France have kept a clean sheet in three of their four games, the highest number of shutouts by any team at the tournament, yet they are not being fully supported by their attacking players.
Deschamps attempted to reignite Les Bleus’ offensive threat with a three-man strike force against Belgium, but it yielded limited success.
The trio of Kylian Mbappé, Marcus Thuram, and Antoine Griezmann started, with Randal Kolo Muani coming on late, but the approach was mostly ineffective.
France took 19 shots against the Red Devils, but only two were on target, and it was largely a stroke of luck that saw them advance. Deschamps, however, has the opportunity to refresh his attacking options for the upcoming match.
On the other hand, Portugal boss Roberto Martínez faces his toughest decision yet regarding Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 39-year-old had a night to forget against Slovenia, but he took responsibility for the Seleção’s first penalty in the shootout and ensured he didn’t make the same mistake again.
In that game in Frankfurt, Ronaldo led all players with the most shots (eight), shots on target (four), and touches in the opposition’s box (seven). However, he has struggled with his finishing.
Indeed, Ronaldo has taken 20 shots at Euro 2024, the most of any player, but he has yet to score.
Although it may be challenging to bench the all-time leading goalscorer in international football, Martínez might view this as a chance to adjust his attacking lineup.
With an xG total of 1.97 against Slovenia, failing to capitalize on those chances against stronger opposition could have significant repercussions for the team.
Portugal vs France: Head-to-head
This will be the fifth encounter between Portugal and France at the European Championship, with the Seleção unbeaten in their last two meetings.
France won the first two clashes, securing the trophy both times (3-2 in 1984 and 2-1 in 2000), and Les Bleus will be aiming for a victory that could set them on the path to silverware once again.
However, Martínez’s side will also be confident about their chances of claiming a second European Championship title if they emerge victorious in this match.
Interestingly, the last four teams to eliminate France at the quarter-final stage of a major tournament have gone on to win the trophy: Italy in the 1938 World Cup, Greece at Euro 2004, Spain at Euro 2012, and Germany at the 2014 World Cup.
Portugal vs France: Recent Form
Portugal: WLWWW (all competitions, most recent first)
France: WDDWD (all competitions, most recent first)
Portugal vs France: Team News and Predicted Line-up
Portugal: Team News
Portugal appears to have a full squad available for their crucial Euro 2024 clash with France on Friday.
Roberto Martínez’s side were pushed to penalties by a determined Slovenia but ultimately triumphed in a tense last-16 match.
Despite his advancing age, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to lead the line for the Selecao.
The 39-year-old missed a penalty in extra time on Monday but scored in the shootout, and he has now confirmed that this will be his final European Championship.
Ronaldo is set to start again in Hamburg as Portugal faces Les Bleus for a place in the semi-finals, with Martínez having made few changes to his lineup.
Diogo Jota and Francisco Conceição are expected to be the main alternatives off the bench, and Portugal boasts one of the most talent-laden squads in the tournament.
Portugal: Predicted Lineup
- Goalkeeper: Costa
- Defenders: Cancelo, Dias, Pepe, Mendes
- Midfielders: Palhinha, Vitinha, Fernandes
- Forwards: Silva, Leao, Ronaldo
France: Team News
France will be without Adrien Rabiot for their Euro 2024 quarter-final against Portugal on Friday.
The midfielder was booked during their narrow win over Belgium in the last 16, which saw them advance to the final eight thanks to a Jan Vertonghen own goal. As a result, Rabiot will miss the game due to suspension.
Les Bleus will head to Hamburg to face Cristiano Ronaldo and company, as Didier Deschamps aims for another semi-final appearance in his tenure as head coach.
Rabiot has been a key player for France this campaign, but Deschamps has several top options to fill his role.
Eduardo Camavinga, Youssouf Fofana, and Warren Zaire-Emery are all potential replacements. Ousmane Dembélé could also be considered, with Antoine Griezmann possibly moving into a deeper midfield position.
Earlier this week, Kingsley Coman left the camp for the birth of his fourth child, and it is uncertain whether he will return in time. Kylian Mbappé will continue wearing the protective mask he has used since injuring his nose in the first game against Austria.
France: Predicted Lineup
- Goalkeeper: Maignan
- Defenders: Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez
- Midfielders: Kante, Tchouameni, Griezmann
- Forwards: Mbappe, Thuram, Dembele
Portugal vs France: Match Prediction
Neither team has truly impressed at the tournament so far, so Friday night’s clash will be a decisive one.
A France player has yet to score from open play after four games, with their goals coming from one penalty and two own goals. Meanwhile, the Selecao’s defense, including Pepe, has proven to be very resilient.
Portugal will present a greater challenge than any team France has faced thus far, and unless Didier Deschamps can find a way to get Les Bleus to perform, they risk an early exit.
Both squads are filled with talent, but only one has shown even glimpses of brilliance.
Portugal to win after extra time.
When and Where to Watch the Match LIVE in India?
UEFA Euro 2024 matches will be broadcast live on Sony Sports channels: Sony Sports Ten 2, Sony Sports Ten 2 HD, Sony Sports Ten 3, Sony Sports Ten 3 HD, Sony Sports Ten 4, Sony Sports Ten 4 HD, Sony Sports Ten 5, and Sony Sports Ten 5 HD in India. Live streaming of Euro 2024 can be accessed through the SonyLIV app and website.
You can watch the match in 6 July from 12:30 am onwards on Sony Sports channels: Sony Sports Ten 2, Sony Sports Ten 2 HD, Sony Sports Ten 3, Sony Sports Ten 3 HD, Sony Sports Ten 4, Sony Sports Ten 4 HD, Sony Sports Ten 5, and Sony Sports Ten 5 HD.
Live streaming of the match can also be accessed through the SonyLIV app and website.
