Portugal POR Ronaldo (Pen 31', Pen 60')
2 - 2
-
Full Time
France FRA Benzema (Pen 45+2, 47')

Match preview

Ronaldo v Mbappe - How Portugal and France could line up in their final group game

France are already through, but will want to top Group F, whilst Portugal may need a least a point to qualify for the knockout stages

While Italy and Belgium had the luxury of resting players for their final group stage game, both Portugal and France will be full strength as they face off in a pivotal Group F game.

France will top the group with a win, while Portugal need a least a point to guarantee their qualification for the next round.

Both teams won their opening game in the group, but Portugal were then beaten by Germany, and France were surprisingly held to a draw by Hungary. Therefore, this game is crucial, and neither Fernando Santos or Didier Deschamps will want to head into the last-16 off the back of a poor result.

Both coaches will turn to their talismanic forwards, with Santos looking for some Cristiano Ronaldo magic, whilst Deschamps will be counting on Kylian Mbappe to do the business.

Ronaldo is currently the joint top-scorer in the tournament with three goals, but PSG star Mbappe is yet to net once in the tournament. In fact, Antoine Griezmann's equaliser against Hungary is the only goal they've scored so far at Euro 2020, after Mats Hummels' own goal sealed the win against Germany.

The two superstars will feature up top for each team, but who else will start?

How will Portugal line up?

Santos will stick with his trusted Rui Patricio in between the sticks, whilst the back-four of Nelson Semedo, Pepe, Ruben Dias, and Raphael Guerreiro will remain the same. Joao Cancelo's positive COVID-19 case came as a blow for Portugal, but so have to rely on Semedo on the right flank.

In the opening two games, Santos has opted for a double pivot of Danilo Pereira and William Carvalho, but the two have often been bypassed, and they frequently do the same job. Therefore, he will turn to Renato Sanches to give his midfield some energy from deep.

Joao Felix hasn't played a single minute in the tournament so far, and didn't even feature on the bench against Germany as a result of a slight knock. Therefore, this game will come too soon for him, and Santos will likely stick with the front four of Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Jota, and the aforementioned Ronaldo.

Rafa Silva will look to make an impact off the bench once more.

How will France line up?

Like Portugal, France have a settled number one in Hugo Lloris, and Benjamin Pavard, Raphael Varane and Presnel Kimpembe are certain to play in front of him.

The only question mark is at left-back; Lucas Hernandez started the opening game before Lucas Digne came in for the Hungary draw. Deschamps may pick either, but he's likely to choose Hernandez in this vital game.

As for the front six, that'll be the exact same as the opening two games. Adrien Rabiot, N'Golo Kante and Paul Pogba will make up the midfield three, and that solidity allows the forwards to do their thing.

Griezmann will be allowed to roam between the right wing and number 10 position, whilst Mbappe will draw over to the left. Karim Benzema will keep the centre-backs occupied.

Portugal vs France: Possible starting XIs

Portugal vs France - Football tactics and formations

Match statistics

Portugal
Statistics
France
Games Played
20
20
 
Results
 
Wins
13
15
Draws
4
4
Losses
3
1
 
Goals Scoring
 
Goals Scored
51
40
Goals Per Game
2.55
2.00
More > 2.5 Goals
13
8
More > 3 Goals
9
3
Scored First in a Match
12
13
Scored Both Halves
11
8
Won More > 1 Goal
11
8
 
Other
 
Goals Conceded
14
12
Did Not Score
4
2
Both Teams Scored
7
8
Kept Clean Sheet
12
11
Won Without Conceding
9
10
Games Played
20
20
 
Possession
 
Touches
792
784
Possession
59
58
Passes
604
609
 
Attacking
 
Total Shots
19
14
Shots on Target
8.25
5.25
Goals out of Shots
0.14
0.14
Crosses
23
20
Offsides
2.71
2.93
Penalties
0.20
0.15
 
Defensive
 
Clean Sheets
0.60
0.55
Tackles Won
-
-
Clearances
12
10
Interceptions
10
8.88
Own Goals
0.10
0.00
Aerials Won
12
16
Total Shots Conceded
7.50
7.06
Shots on Target Conceded
3.21
2.29
Goals out of Shots Conceded
0.11
0.12
 
Discipline
 
Fouls
11
12
Yellow Cards
0.95
1.10
Red Cards
0.00
0.00

Injuries

  1. Knee Injury image description

In suspension danger

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