The game many football lovers have looked forward to the most commences tonight as European champions, Portugal, lock horns with world champions, France, in a repeat of the Euro 2016 final. After a shocking 4-2 loss to Germany, Portugal’s tie has just become a make-or-break clash with France. Luckily, the holders of the Euro competition have their fate in their own hands.
Euro 2020: Group F
Wednesday 23 June
Allianz Arena
21:00
To Win
Portugal 26/10
Draw 2/1
France 12/10
Portugal
Portugal were disappointing in their last display against Germany, where they were battered 4-2 against the 2014 world champions. One thing the Portuguese did show is how clinical they are and can be in front of goal, scoring twice in a game that offered them very little opportunities.
That was the case once again in their opening tie against Hungary, where Portugal took their chances well to finish what was a close game by a 3-0 margin. Cristiano Ronaldo has shown yet again why he is considered as the greatest goalscorer on the planet after netting three goals in his opening two matches.
Its no accident that Portugal are one of the highest scoring teams in the competition thus far, and with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Jota and Bernardo Silva in attack alongside Ronaldo, France will be scratching their heads on how to plan against an attack equal to theirs, if not superior.
France
It was a huge setback for France, who were held by Hungary, but there seems to still be light at the end of the tunnel. With four points already registered, France look to be in a great position and are still on top of Group F.
Les Bleus have already got their revenge over Portugal for Euro 2016’s final defeat. Didier Deschamps’ men put Portugal to the sword in their most recent encounter in the UEFA Nations League, beating them 1-0.
Karim Benzema, who is now in the team again for France, may share a word or two on how to defend against Ronaldo after developing a great relationship on and off the pitch with the Portuguese superstar from their time together at Real Madrid.
Kylian Mbappe, who is seen as the heir to Ronaldo’s throne on the European stage, has another chance to prove himself on the same pitch as one of his biggest idols.
Probable line-ups:
Portugal XI: Rui Patricio; Semedo, Ruben Dias, Pepe, Guerreiro; Danilo, Renato Sanches, Bruno Fernandes; Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo, Diogo Jota.
France XI: Lloris; Pavard, Varane, Kimpembe, Hernandez; Pogba, Kante, Rabiot; Griezmann, Benzema, Mbappe.
Prediction: Both Teams to Score – Yes (21/20)
Germany are overwhelming favourites in this tie, as expected, but are way too short for what is a do-or-die match for both teams. Low’s side have shown that they’re capable of putting a couple of goals past the sternest of opposition, while they’re also yet to keep a clean sheet in the tournament so far. Hungary should make Germany’s run without keeping their opponents at bay continue here at a valuable price of 21/20.
Written by Jesse Nagel