The Euro 2024 quarterfinals are set to ignite with a blockbuster clash between two European powerhouses: Portugal and France. This Portugal Vs France Euro 2024 quarterfinal matchup pits together two teams brimming with talent, yet both have navigated somewhat bumpy paths to reach this stage. Football fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating this encounter, a repeat of the Euro 2016 final, to see if either side can truly assert their dominance and stake a claim for the coveted title.
Match Details: Portugal vs France Euro 2024 Quarterfinal
Ahead of this highly anticipated Portugal vs France Euro 2024 showdown, here are the key match details:
- Who: Portugal vs France
- What: Euro 2024 Quarterfinals
- Where: Volksparkstadion, Hamburg, Germany
- When: Friday, July 5, 9pm local time (19:00 GMT) Kickoff
- How to follow: For real-time updates and in-depth analysis, follow Al Jazeera’s live text commentary, starting three hours before the game commences.
Road to the Quarterfinals: Uneven Paths for Portugal and France
Both Portugal and France entered Euro 2024 as strong contenders, but their journeys to the quarterfinals have been far from seamless. Portugal, led by veteran Cristiano Ronaldo, began their campaign with promising victories, only to be surprisingly defeated by Georgia. Their round of 16 match against Slovenia was another rollercoaster, requiring a penalty shootout to secure their quarterfinal berth.
While Portugal boasts creative midfielders like Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes who have found the net, the spotlight remains on Cristiano Ronaldo. At 39, the iconic forward is participating in his record sixth European Championship. Despite taking the most shots at Euro 2024, his goal-scoring touch in open play has been elusive in recent tournament matches. His penalty miss against Slovenia, followed by visible frustration, has sparked debate about his optimal role within the team as they face France in this crucial Portugal vs France Euro 2024 quarterfinal.
France, another pre-tournament favorite, has also shown signs of stuttering. The reigning world champions have struggled to convert their dominance into goals from open play throughout the tournament. Kylian Mbappe, their talismanic forward, did score a penalty upon his return against Poland after suffering a broken nose in their opening match. Adding to their attacking concerns, France’s other goals have been credited as own goals from their opponents, highlighting a need for sharper offensive play as they prepare for the Portugal vs France Euro 2024 clash.
France’s assistant coach Guy Stephan addressed concerns surrounding the performances of Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann, emphasizing the impact of Mbappe’s injury and the physical toll on Griezmann after a long season. He maintained confidence in their abilities, recognizing that even world-class players experience fluctuations in form. However, for France to overcome Portugal and progress further in Euro 2024, their attacking stars must rediscover their clinical edge.
Echoes of Euro 2016 Final in Hamburg
This Portugal vs France Euro 2024 quarterfinal carries significant historical weight as it is a rematch of the Euro 2016 final. In that Paris final, Portugal defied expectations, defeating the host nation France 1-0 in extra time, thanks to Éder’s memorable goal. That victory secured Portugal’s first major international trophy, a moment etched in football history and a source of national pride.
France will undoubtedly be seeking revenge for that painful defeat on home soil. The memory of 2016 adds an extra layer of intrigue and intensity to this Portugal vs France Euro 2024 encounter. Will Portugal repeat their underdog triumph, or will France avenge their past setback and move closer to their third European Championship title?
The winner of this Portugal vs France Euro 2024 quarterfinal will face either Germany or Spain in the semifinal, setting up a potentially mouth-watering clash in Munich. As both teams aim to ignite their title bids, the world will be watching to see which team’s attacking firepower will prevail at Volksparkstadion.
FIFA Ranking and Head-to-Head
FIFA Rankings:
- Portugal: 6
- France: 2
Head-to-head Record (All Time):
- Matches played: 28
- Portugal wins: 6
- France wins: 19
- Draws: 3
Last Five Matches Form:
- Portugal: Draw, Loss, Win, Win, Win
- France: Win, Draw, Draw, Win, Draw
Source: Al Jazeera and news agencies
