Euro 2024: France Versus Portugal is an All-Star Extravaganza

Portugal vs France

They may not have been the best two teams at Euro 2024 so far, but France and Portugal undoubtedly have star quality. But when they meet in a mouthwatering clash in Hamburg on Friday, we can expect fireworks. 

The winners will meet either Spain or hosts Germany in another blockbuster semi-final next week.   

Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and William Saliba will face up to Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, and Ruben Dias in a glittering lineup on Friday, but neither side had an easy passage to the quarter-finals.

Roberto Martinez’ Portugal squeezed through against Slovenia on penalties, while Didier Deschamps’ France edged past Belgium 1-0.

As France are on the tough side of the draw, the latest Euro 2024 betting odds have just nudged them out to third place behind England and Spain. But should they win this tie, then Les Bleus will likely be reinstalled as favourites.

Talking Points

Time is ticking for Les Bleus’ attack

In a largely under-par showing so far, we are yet to see a France player score in open play. Mbappe has slotted home one penalty, while Les Bleus’ other two strikes have resulted from own goals.

With an attacking lineup including Mbappe, Griezmann, and Ousmane Dembele, and with Randal Kolo Muani and Olivier Giroud in support, this is one of the mysteries of Euro 2024 so far.

Deschamps has a great defence, but he knows he can’t rely on his team to be on the right side of 1-0 results as the games get tougher. And soon enough, his front men have to stand up and be counted.

Griezmann was mystifyingly rested for France’s draw with Poland, but the Atletico Madrid man was brought back against the Red Devils and is sure to start again on Friday. His guile and intelligence will be crucial as France try to break down a tough Portugal defence.    

There will be one enforced change for Les Bleus as midfield anchor Adrien Rabiot is suspended after he picked up a yellow card in the first half of France’s victory over Belgium. That means Eduardo Camavinga is likely to slot in alongside Aurelien Tchouameni and the excellent N’Golo Kante.  

120-minute marathon may hurt Portugal 

The Selecao may have thought they could make light work of Slovenia, but how wrong they were as they were unable to break down a stubborn defence.

Portugal racked up 20 shots and six on target, but the closest they came to scoring was in extra time when Ronaldo had an opportunity from the penalty spot.

But Jan Oblak made a brilliant save to leave the five-time Ballon d’Or winner in tears. CR7 was all smiles half an hour later when he stepped up to score in the shootout, and keeper Diego Costa was the hero, saving all three of Slovenia’s spot-kicks as the Selecao won 3-0.

But having gone through an exhausting 120 minutes and the emotional turmoil of the penalty drama, Roberto Martinez has work to do to refresh and prepare his team for another tumultuous fight against Les Bleus in just four days.

Portugal were ponderous in attack, and it may well be that Diogo Jota gets a start in place of Rafael Leao, who has struggled for form.

And the key battle might just involve the elder statesman Pepe in defence. The 41-year-old has been magnificent, and he’ll be relishing a meeting with Mbappe on Friday.    

History

France have won six of the nine previous meetings, with Portugal winning once, and there have been two draws. But the Selecao had the best result in this competition, just eight years ago when they beat France 1-0 in the 2016 final at the Stade de France in Paris.  

Recent form is comparable with Portugal winning four and losing two of the last six games, while Les Bleus have won three and drawn three, and Deschamps’ men may have a taste for revenge.

Betting Tip

I’ve backed France from the start of the Euros in the belief that, with the best defence in the competition and a collection of forward players who can cause chaos for any defence, they are bound to click sometime, and I’m going to stick to my guns.

Portugal are a hugely talented team and that makes this an exciting prospect, and we should see a week’s worth of Euro 2024 highlights in 90 plus minutes if they are both on song. And at SBOTOP odds of 3.01 for Portugal to win and 2.92 to draw, this game is wide open.

France have been really poor in front of goal so far and, if my hunch is right that they are about to lift off, then a bet on Over 2.50 goals gives a handy price of 2.49.

 

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