Portugal vs France Preview, Prediction, and Top Wagers
Get ready for a thrilling showdown as Portugal squares off against France in the UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-finals this Saturday! The last time these two powerhouses faced each other, Portugal failed to put the ball in the net in their last 244 minutes of action. But they managed to edge past Slovenia in the round of 16 thanks to a shootout victory. France, on the other hand, scored late against Belgium to eliminate them, showing they've got the resilience to fight till the end.
Portugal's Trail of Glory
Portugal sailed through Euro 2024 qualifying with a consistent streak of 10 wins and 36 goals scored. However, they stumbled a bit in friendlies before the tournament, losing two out of four matches. They began the Euros with a tight 2-1 win over Czechia, but struggled in their final group stage match against Georgia, where they managed just 24 shots and couldn't find the back of the net until the second half.
France, a Titan Before the Tide
France has been unbeatable in their last 18 matches, save for two losses. They bested Germany 2-0 and Chile 3-2 in March. In their warm-up game before the Euros, they settled for a 0-0 draw against Canada. They began the Euros with a 1-0 victory over Austria, continued with a 0-0 draw against the Netherlands, and sealed progression with a 1-1 draw against Poland. Their last match saw a dramatic 85th-minute own goal to scrape past Belgium.
Team News and Motivations
Coach Roberto Martinez has been juggling between a back three and a back four for Portugal, and may consider making some changes after the exertions of the round of 16. Six players are one yellow card away from missing a potential semi-final: Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Palhinha, Joao Cancelo, Joao Conceicao, Pedro Neto, and Ruben Neves. Wingers Diogo Jota, Pedro Neto, and Chico Conceicao, along with fullbacks Nelson Semedo and Diogo Dalot, could be called upon to freshen up the side.
France's midfielder Adrien Rabiot is suspended for the quarter-finals. Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Ousmane Dembele are all on a yellow card warnings, putting them one step away from missing a potential semi-final. Didier Deschamps has the tough decision of choosing between Eduardo Camavinga to replace Rabiot or opting for an extra attacker with Antoine Griezmann deployed as a number ten. Dembele or Bradley Barcola would then play on the left.
France is a functional team, known for their focus on clean sheets and strong defense, while Portugal prefers possession-heavy play. Both teams will give their all to clinch a spot in the semi-finals. The first goal will be crucial in deciding the outcome of this closely-fought encounter.
Key Stats
- Portugal has won 15 out of their last 19 matches.
- Ronaldo is goal-less in 8 major tournament matches (World Cup & Euros).
- Portugal have failed to score in their last 2 matches.
- France have lost only 2 out of their last 18 fixtures.
- France have lost just once in their last 14 clashes with Portugal.
- France have kept 5 clean sheets in their last 6 matches.
Betting Odds
- Best bet: France clean sheet at 2.70
- Alternate bet: France win at 2.45
- Correct Score Tip: Portugal 0-1 France at 6.50
Stay tuned for more updates on the UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-finals! bet on your favorite teams with the latest betting tips and enjoy the action-packed match between Portugal and France!
- Despite their recent struggles in friendlies, Portugal aims to continue their winning streak in the UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-finals against France, having won 15 out of their last 19 matches.
- France, who have lost only 2 out of their last 18 fixtures, has a strong defense, having kept 5 clean sheets in their last 6 matches, making a France clean sheet at 2.70 an attractive bet.
- Portugal's star player, Cristiano Ronaldo, is yet to score in 8 major tournament matches, but they'll be relying on him, along with others, to break this and avoid failing to score in their last 2 matches.
- France, on the other hand, will be looking to build on their resilience, demonstrated by their late winner against Belgium, and their 14-match unbeaten streak against Portugal, as they aim to progress to the semi-finals.
