Portugal and France lock horns in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals amid worries over their faltering attack lines. Both squads grapple with a shortfall in firepower as they head to Hamburg.
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In Frankfurt, Diogo Costa emerged as the savior for Portugal, turning hero in a penalty shootout that spared teammate Cristiano Ronaldo’s blushes against Slovenia. Ronaldo witnessed his penalty parried by Jan Oblak during extra time, an event that reduced him to tears, only for him to rebound and score in the decisive shootout.
Meanwhile, France scraped past Belgium in Dusseldorf, benefiting from an unwitting assist by Jan Vertonghen’s knee, as their goal-scoring woes persisted.
The upcoming clash marks their first rendezvous since the 2-2 stalemate at Euro 2020, where penalties dominated the scoreboard. This match is also a reprise of the Euro 2016 final, which saw Portugal clinch a 1-0 victory over France in Paris.
Pundits hype an exciting showdown between these European titans, yet the teams’ current form might temper expectations for a classic.
Previews, hinged on Opta data, tilt in favor of France with a 39.4% winning probability at the Volksparkstadion. Portugal trails slightly in simulations at 31%, with a draw looming at 29.6%, possibly stretching to extra time and penalties.
This encounter marks their fifth at the European Championships, with Portugal undefeated in the last two bouts. France, however, won the initial duels, both times going on to hoist the trophy.
Despite both sides fielding formidable attackers, their recent performances have been lackluster, underpinning the critical nature of each slight edge in this taut contest.
France’s defense remains robust, boasting the lowest expected goals against (xGA) at Euro 2024, second only to the ousted Serbia. Didier Deschamps’ men maintain a strong track record against Portugal, with just a single loss marring their last 14 encounters, that defeat, crucially, in the Euro 2016 final.
Conversely, Martinez’s Portugal eyes a second European title, buoyed by historical patterns where teams ousting France in the quarters often clinch the tournament.
Ronaldo’s form stands under scrutiny, with his striking prowess unyielded despite numerous attempts and set pieces. Martinez faces a pivotal decision whether to continue with him or inject new vigor upfront.
Deschamps similarly considers adjustments, after a fruitless three-forward setup against Belgium. With France’s famous defensive solidity juxtaposed against their avant-garde misfires, their attacking cadre needs a swift uptick.
Player spotlights shine on Portugal’s Joao Palhinha and France’s William Saliba. Palhinha, amidst his midfield fortitude, is set to join Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, Saliba carries his Premier League excellence into international duty, underscoring France’s defensive linchpin with his immaculate pass completion.
