France and Portugal are going into the Euro 2024 quarter-finals clash on the back of average performance. Both teams have yet to be at their free-following best.
Ahead of the theory meeting tonight, the spotlight is on superstars Kylian Mbappé and Cristiano Ronaldo.
With a semifinal ticket at stake, this mouth-watering match-up offers both teams the chance to stake their claim as genuine contenders truly.
Apart from Ronaldo and Mbappé likely to gain the most attention, the defenses could hold the key.
Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa came to the rescue against Slovenia with three saves in the penalty shoot-out, while France has kept three clean sheets in their four games, although Les Bleu has yet to score from open play.
With Jules Koundé and William Saliba particularly impressive, it is left to see who will get the upper hand in Hamburg tonight.
France will be looking for their first goal from open play after securing a quarter-final ticket via Jan Vethrogen’s own goal in the last 16. Portugal survived a massive scare against Slovenia in the previous round by progressing via penalties.
Roberto Martínez’s team will face a fancied French side, which will be a test for Portugal and require tactical adjustments, perhaps for the first time in Germany.
Being known for their attacking impetus, France may force the Seleção to defend for long periods.
Although Portugal may also get fewer chances at the other end, they must ensure they take them when they come. Having done just that against Les Bleus before, during the 2016 final, they won, and another opportunity presented itself for them.
This is likely also a game many see as befitting of a final.
France has succeeded in successive tournaments, which shouldn’t be taken for granted.
With so much creativity, this side has more levels in their locker. Their undoing has been profligacy in front of goal, which has been at the forefront of the narrative after Belgium.
It’s now left for coach Didier Deschamps to address for his side to overcome Portugal.
At a press conference, Martínez said his team is now focused and ready for France.
“They are very strong but might leave space behind the lines. They can cause problems, but hopefully, we will create more chances. The tournament now has different details because you can win on penalties, and you can create moments of individual quality.”
On his part, Deschamps, who noted that both teams have the qualities to win, said there’s a need to be solid and work hard together at the highest level.
“Everyone is progressing, and there’s a common denominator between all these matches: the athletic intensity being at the very highest level.”
