Euro 2020: France ($2.25) vs Portugal ($3.60) - Thursday 24th June @5pm
A rematch of the 2016 Euros Final in Paris, where Portugal were victors without their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo for much of the game. After both nations began their Euros campaign with a win, this game was shaping up as the deciding game to see who finishes top of Group F. However, after disappointing results in Game Two, with France drawing with Hungary and Germany giving Portugal an attacking lesson at the Football Arena, this match up has turned into a potential battle for survival for Portugal.
Despite facing elimination, Portugal won’t lie down easily. They progressed out of the group stage in 2016 without winning a game and still went on to win the title. With both sides playing a predominately counter attacking style of football, expect a game with plenty of goal-scoring opportunities. Unsurprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo is already top of the Golden Boot standings with three goals, and although Portugal have looked better without him in recent months, he will be France’s biggest threat. Expect anything but a quiet game from him, as he will be the one Portugal looks to in their quest to progress and defend their title.
Results from the other matches, mean France are guaranteed qualification as one of the best third-placed teams, however they will still be looking to top the Group. It’s fair to say that France haven’t hit their best form so far, doing what was required against Germany and looking lacklustre against Hungary. Winners of the tournament rarely peak early, and their two attacking weapons, Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema, haven’t found the back of the net yet. With Portugal’s defensive frailties out wide exposed by the Germans, this game could be the perfect opportunity for Mbappe or Benzema to get off the mark.
Key Stats
- Cristiano Ronaldo already has three goals to his name at Euro 2020
- France have only conceded two goals in their last seven matches
