EURO 2016 Final Preview: Portugal v France

Jul. 09, 2016

Date: Sunday 10 July, 2016
Time: 20:00 GMT
Location: Stade de France, Saint-Denis
Coverage: BBC One, ITV - 19:00 GMT

Victory for France would be the nation’s third successive triumph at a major tournament on home soil, following their success at the 1984 European Championships and the World Cup Finals in 1998.

The Parisian and French people have had little to smile about since the horrific terrorist attacks on the night of November 13, 2015 – a night that struck the core of the country’s capita - but a third European Championship success would help to unite a nation of people who have used sport as a reliable tool for relief since that fateful night.

As pre-tournament favourites alongside Germany, the French were largely expected to reach this stage of the Championships. In contrast, their Portuguese opponents had achieved above and beyond what neutrals and their supporters alike had anticipated ahead of Euro 2016.

Nevertheless, this small nation located on the Iberian Peninsula have traditionally been giants in the footballing world, and it could be a long time before they have such a magnificent opportunity to claim their first major trophy on the international stage.

Team news
Portugal:

The ‘visitors’ could be boosted by the return of Real Madrid man Pepe, and coach Fernando Santos will also have the option to select William Carvalho again after he served a one-game suspension last time out.

The defender has been suffering with a thigh injury that kept him out of the Portugal side for the semi-final tie against Wales on Wednesday.

And, after training alone all week and seeing Bruno Alves – however rash at times – keep a clean sheet alongside José Fonte, Santos may decide to keep his backline intact even if Pepe is fit to return.

Carvalho on the other hand looks much the more likely to slot back into his usual role in front of the defence - a position that he has largely made his own at these Championships.

France:

French boss Didier Deschamps arguably has even more of a dilemma. With a fully fit squad and no suspensions to worry about, the man who captained his nation to victories in the 1998 World Cup and at Euro 2000, will be tasked with weighing up his options against those of his opposite number.

A pivotal player for Les Bleus ahead of the tournament, Leicester midfielder N'Golo Kanté looks unlikely to return to the side given the superb performances of Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi in the middle of the park.

Central defender Samuel Umtiti has also impressed in the last two matches – his first for his country – and it would be a shock to see Deschamps bring the formerly suspended Adil Rami back into his plans for the final.

Paul Pogba has shown his class alongside Blaise Matuidi in the French midfield.

The key battles
Cristiano Ronaldo v Samuel Umtiti

Portugal’s star man has partnered Nani in being his nation’s main attacking threat at these Championships so far, a role that was epitomised last time out when their two goals sank Chris Coleman’s Wales and secured A Seleção’s place in the final.

Yet, as important as Ronaldo will be in leading the line – a role he has consistently joined his former Manchester United teammate in after the interval – the £80 million man could be more effective if he is given more of a ‘free role’ against France.

By dragging Umtiti away from Laurent Koscielny – his partner in central defence – Ronaldo could leave space for Nani to utilise one-on-one against the Arsenal defender, who can occasionally be accused of taking up poor positions that leave others exposed.

Playing in just his third international appearance, the Barcelona defender will need to be disciplined in marking both Ronaldo and Nani, as they move around the attacking third in search of the ball and in the hope of linking up with one another and their fellow teammates.

Renato Sanches v Paul Pogba

Potentially the most important matchup on the pitch. Portugal’s 18 year-old starlet Sanches has been a shining light for Santos’ men since he made his full debut against Poland in the quarter-final, and he will certainly have his work cut-out against a player who could become the first £100 million player this summer.

Juventus star Pogba seems to have every trick in the book going forward, yet it has been his defensive displays alongside Matuidi that have impressed most in the knockout stages.

The 23 year-old has shown just why he has attracted so many clubs in recent years and his style of play is not too dissimilar to the man he and Matuidi will be tasked with keeping quiet at the Stade de France on Sunday.

William Carvalho v Antoine Griezmann

Carvalho appears to enjoy the less celebrated role of shielding the defence, and it is a position that he has thrived in over the last 12 months.

The Sporting Lisbon man ran the show as his nation were victorious at last summer’s Euro-u21 Championships, and he has continued his fine form since earning his starting spot in the full side.

But however competent he has looked so far, marking the tournament’s top scorer Griezmann will be a different matter altogether.

With six goals from as many games, the Atlético Madrid star will look to play off striker Olivier Giroud, and it will be Carvalho’s job to ensure that either he or one of his team’s central defenders are marking the ‘French revelation’ throughout the 90 minutes/ two hours of football at the Stade de France.

William Carvalho could be tasked with man-marking French star Antoine Griezmann.

Head-to-head
- France have dominated their opponents in previous encounters, with 18 wins, one draw, and just five defeats against the Portuguese.
- Les Bleus have also been successful in each of the previous ten meetings between the sides.
- The two teams have met twice before at European Championships, with France winners on both occasions before going on to lift the trophy the same year (1984, 2000).
- Portugal have never beaten France in a competitive fixture.

Prediction
Portugal 0 - 1 France