Portugal survived against Slovakia now they take on France whose gears haven't been moving smoothly
Portugal faces off against France in the quarter-finals, promising a battle of football giants with intriguing storylines on both sides.
Portugal, led by the prolific Cristiano Ronaldo, navigated a tense Round of 16 encounter against Slovenia, prevailing in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout where goalkeeper Diogo Costa emerged as the hero with three saves according to Sports Buddy.
Despite their resilient journey to a record seventh Euros quarter-final, Portugal faces a formidable challenge in France, against whom they have struggled historically, losing 11 of their last 14 meetings.
06:03 - 04.07.2024
Unwanted records set by the greatest players in football history
Messi and Ronaldo's goalless runs in the group stages of Copa America and Euro 2024 highlight why even the greatest players struggle when it matters.
France, meanwhile, secured their spot in the quarters with a narrow 1-0 victory over Belgium, relying on defensive solidity with five clean sheets in their last six matches.
However, their attack has been less potent, with no goals from open play by their own players so far in the tournament, highlighting a reliance on defensive prowess and set-pieces.
18:11 - 04.07.2024
No Paul,Mbappe cites Pogba's absence as reason for struggling playing style
Kylian Mbappé has attributed his decreased runs in behind defenses to changes in the team's lineup, specifically noting the absence of Paul Pogba.
Key players to keep an eye on include Kylian Mbappé, who despite wearing a protective mask due to a broken nose, aims to leave his mark after a relatively quiet tournament by his standards.
Bruno Fernandes, Portugal’s midfield maestro, boasts a perfect record when scoring for his country and will be crucial in unlocking France’s resolute defense.
15:25 - 04.07.2024
Conor McGregor wagers millions on Euro 2024 and Copa America stars
Conor McGregor bets millions on Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in Euro 2024 and Copa America 2024.
Both teams enter the match with contrasting strengths and weaknesses, setting the stage for a tactical duel that could hinge on moments of individual brilliance or defensive resilience.
As the battle unfolds in Germany, expect a match filled with drama and intensity as Portugal seeks to overcome historical odds against a defensively stout French side aiming for their third Euros semi-final appearance in four tournaments.