France and Portugal are set to clash in a highly anticipated quarterfinal matchup at the European Championship on Friday. The Volksparkstadion in Hamburg will host this encounter, where both teams are eager to secure a spot in the semi-finals. This is the third time these nations have met in the Euro tournament, with history suggesting a close and hard-fought battle.
Despite their previous successes, both sides have struggled to find their scoring touch in recent matches. France, who has not scored from open play in their last five internationals, will face a Portugal side that has also gone two games without a goal at Euro 2024. Nevertheless, both teams boast exceptional talent, with Kylian Mbappe leading the French charge and Cristiano Ronaldo bringing his legendary experience to the Portuguese squad.
Here’s a closer look at three key individual matchups that could significantly impact the outcome of this crucial encounter:
Mbappe vs. Cancelo:
Kylian Mbappe, who has been hampered by a facial injury since the first match of the tournament, remains France’s sole goalscorer. His pace and dribbling skills pose a significant threat to Portugal’s defense, particularly against Joao Cancelo. The Portuguese full-back, known for his contributions in both attack and defense, will have his hands full trying to contain Mbappe’s dynamic runs. The challenge for Cancelo will be to strike a balance between supporting the attack and maintaining his defensive responsibilities against Mbappe’s explosiveness.
Ronaldo vs. Saliba:
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s all-time top scorer, is yet to find the back of the net in this tournament. He missed a penalty in the Round of 16 against Slovenia, highlighting the challenges he faces in front of goal. He will encounter a formidable opponent in William Saliba, who has carried his impressive form from Arsenal into the Euros. The young French defender has kept three clean sheets in four matches, with the only goal conceded coming from a penalty. While Ronaldo only needs one opportunity to score, Saliba will need to improve his tackling success rate if he’s going to contain the Portuguese legend.
Kante vs. Fernandes:
N’Golo Kante, a key player in the French midfield, has returned to the national team after a two-year absence and has already impressed with his energy and work rate. He faces a formidable opponent in Bruno Fernandes, who possesses a keen eye for finding attackers with long passes. Despite playing fewer matches, Fernandes has covered almost as much ground as Kante, showcasing his tireless efforts. However, Kante boasts a higher passing accuracy, potentially giving him an edge in the midfield battle. The duel between these two midfield masters promises to be a captivating battle of tactical awareness and physicality.
