Euro 2024: Everything you need to know about Portugal vs France game

By Seyi Babalola

Portugal and France face off in the UEFA EURO 2024 quarterfinals on Friday, July 5 by 8 pm.

Neither Portugal nor France have been at their free-flowing best so far in EURO 2024, but this mouth-watering matchup allows both sides to firmly make their claim as true contenders.

There will be great players all over the field, but while Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé may receive the most attention, it might be the defenders that hold the key.

Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved three penalty shootout attempts against Slovenia, while France has preserved three clean sheets in four games, with Jules Koundé and William Saliba particularly impressive. Who will gain the upper hand in Hamburg?

While Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes have scored, their seasoned captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has struggled in front of goal. The 39-year-old, who is competing in a record sixth Euros, broke into tears of despair after a penalty was saved against Slovenia in extra time in the round of 16.

Read Also: Euro 2024: Everything you need to know about Spain vs Germany match

Ronaldo scored in the shootout, but his status in the starting lineup has been called into doubt as his goal-scoring abilities decline. The Al Nassr attacker has taken the most shots (20) in Euro 2024, but he has not scored in his past eight matches.

Speaking ahead of the match, Roberto Martínez, Portugal coach said: “We’re 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.”

Also, Didier Deschamps, France coach said : “We’ve got the quality and talent, but there are a lot of teams that have that. At the highest level, there’s a need to be solid and work hard together. Everyone is progressing, and there’s a common denominator between all these matches: the athletic intensity being at the very highest level.”

The match will be broadcast on GOtv and DStv. On GOtv channel 61, and DStv channels 222 and 225, respectively.

Possible line-ups
Portugal: Diogo Costa; Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Pepe, Nuno Mendes; Palhinha, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao, Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva.

Misses next match if booked: João Cancelo, Ronaldo, Francisco Conceição, João Palhinha, Pedro Neto, Rúben Neves

France: Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernández; Kanté, Tchouameni, Griezmann; Dembélé, Thuram, Mbappé
Suspended: Rabiot
Misses next match if booked: Dembélé, Griezmann, Mbappé, Tchouameni.