Portugal vs France Prediction: Expert Analysis and Match Preview
Portugal and France are set to face off in an exhilarating Euro area-final on Friday night at Volksparkstadion in Hamburg.
This highly anticipated match comes after both teams narrowly secured their places with slim wins in the round of 16 against Slovenia and Belgium respectively.
Portugal vs France: Journey to the Clash
Portugal’s Recent Performance
Portugal’s road to this clash saw them winning three, drawing one, and losing one of their last five matches in all competitions. They had to dig deep in the round of 16, where they edged past a determined Slovenian side through a penalty shootout.
France’s Recent Performance
France’s journey was equally challenging, with two wins and three draws in their previous five games across competitions. They faced Belgium in the round of 16, where they managed to secure a win thanks to a deflected goal by substitute Randal Kolo Muani.
Head-to-Head History
Historically, encounters between Portugal and France have been closely contested, with only one of their last five meetings featuring three or more goals. France’s recent matches have also been low-scoring affairs, with none of their last five games producing three or more goals.
Portugal vs France: Match Preview
Portugal’s Tactical Approach
Portugal displayed resilience and tactical discipline in their round of 16 match against Slovenia. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa was the hero, saving all three penalties in the shootout after a stellar performance in regular time.
France’s Tactical Approach
France, on the other hand, dominated possession and created numerous chances against Belgium but were also fortunate due to missed opportunities by the Belgian side. Their defensive solidity has been a hallmark, conceding only one goal in their last five matches.
Portugal vs France: Predicted Lineups & Team News
Portugal’s Predicted Lineup
We expect Roberto Martinez to stick with the squad that triumphed over Slovenia. Key players like Nuno Mendes and Joao Cancelo have been instrumental in their defensive setup.
Portugal (4-3-3): Costa – Cancelo, Dias, Pepe, Mendes – Fernandes, Palhinha, Vitinha – Silva, Ronaldo, Leao.
France’s Predicted Lineup
France will be without Adrien Rabiot due to suspension, with Eduardo Camavinga likely stepping in alongside N’Golo Kante and Aurelien Tchouameni in midfield.
France (4-4-2): Maignan – Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez – Tchouameni, Kante, Camavinga, Griezmann – Thuram, Mbappe.
Portugal vs France: Betting Insights
Portugal as the Value Bet
Despite both teams showing some lackluster performances in their recent matches, Portugal appears to be the more consistent side. France’s struggles in open play and their low goal tally make Portugal a safer bet.
Expected Tight Contest
Both teams have shown a preference for defensive play recently. Given the low-scoring nature of their past encounters and recent games, betting on under 1.5 goals could be a smart move.
Portugal vs France: Match Analysis
Defensive Strengths
France’s defensive strength has been evident, conceding just one goal in their last five games. Portugal, aside from a non-critical loss to Georgia, has also been tough to break down.
Offensive Weaknesses
France has scored only three goals in four matches, none from open play, highlighting their offensive struggles. Portugal, meanwhile, showed attacking prowess in their group stage match against Turkey but lacked consistency.
Key Players to Watch
- Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Costa
- France: Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, N’Golo Kante
