The Euro 2024 quarterfinal matchup between France and Portugal promises to be a tense affair. Both teams are facing a goal-scoring drought, with France failing to score in open play for five internationals and Portugal drawing a blank in their last two Euro 2024 matches. They will clash at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, vying for a semifinal spot against either Germany or Spain. This encounter marks the third time these teams have met in as many Euro tournaments, adding to the rivalry’s intensity.
The French will be looking to Kylian Mbappe, their captain, to break the scoring slump, while Portugal will rely on Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-breaking prowess. Both teams boast a wealth of experience, with Ronaldo and Pepe from the Portuguese squad that defeated France in the Euro 2016 final still in the lineup. France, meanwhile, retains players like Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud, Kingsley Coman, and N’Golo Kante from their previous encounter.
The two nations also clashed in the group phase of Euro 2020, resulting in a 2-2 draw in Budapest, a game where three out of four goals came from penalties. The upcoming match is expected to be closely contested, and the outcome could hinge on a moment of brilliance from one of these talented sides. With France relying on Mbappe to deliver, Portugal is likely to keep Ronaldo in the starting lineup, hoping he can once again inspire his team to victory.
