Yahoo Sports Portugal vs France: Preview, predictions and lineups
There is a repeat of the 2016 final this Friday when Portugal face France in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
It was Portugal who ran out victors on that occasion, claiming their first and only European Championship thanks to Eder's extra-time goal. However, they will have to improve significantly if they want to be crowned champions in Germany this time around following a disappointing display in the last 16.
Portugal had to rely on the brilliance of goalkeeper Diogo Costa in a penalty shootout victory over Slovenia following a goalless draw. Cristiano Ronaldo was the focus on a dramatic evening, with the Al Nassr striker missing a penalty and subsequently bursting into tears halfway through extra time.
France, who were many people's pre-tournament favourites, were far from convincing in their last-16 clash with Belgium. While the better side, they needed a Jan Vertonghen own goal to secure safe passage to the quarter-finals. They have scored just three times at Euro 2024, two of which have been own goals and the other a penalty.
Here is 90min's guide to Portugal vs France in the last eight of Euro 2024.
Portugal vs France H2H Record (Last Five Games)
Current form (all competitions)
How to watch Portugal vs France on TV and live stream
Portugal team news
Roberto Martinez doesn't have any fitness concerns but does have one major selection headache. Another dismal display from Ronaldo has put his starting spot in doubt, but he is seemingly untouchable and will likely start again.
Diogo Jota and Francisco Conceicao both dazzled from the bench against Slovenia but may not be able to force their way into a star-studded Portugal forward line. At the back, Pepe should retain his spot despite an error that almost proved costly against Slovenia.
Portugal predicted lineup vs France
Portugal predicted lineup vs France (4-2-3-1): Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Pepe, Mendes; Vitinha, Palhinha; B. Silva, Fernandes, Leao; Ronaldo.
France team news
Similarly to Portugal, France are not expected to make many changes despite underwhelming against Belgium. However, they will have to replace Adrien Rabiot, who is suspended for the quarter-final after picking up two yellow cards.
Elsewhere, Randal Kolo Muani could come into the starting XI following his impressive cameo from the bench last time out, but Kingsley Coman may miss out after leaving the France camp for the birth of his baby.
France predicted lineup vs Portugal (4-3-3): Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, T. Hernandez; Kante, Tchouameni, Griezmann; Dembele, Kolo Muani, Mbappe.
Portugal vs France score prediction
Both Portugal and France have failed to get out of second gear at Euro 2024 so far, struggling to create chances in their last-16 clashes. For Les Bleus, that has been an issue all tournament.
The deeper the tournament goes, the cagier things seemingly get. An end-to-end thriller between these two European giants seems unlikely, with both sides unlikely to push too hard in the opening stages.
However, France's watertight defence has conceded just a single penalty at Euro 2024 and should help them over the line, with Ronaldo perhaps proving a hindrance to Portugal up top once more.
