The Euro 2024 quarterfinals are set to deliver a blockbuster clash as Portugal and France, two giants of European football, collide. While the stakes are high in this quarterfinal encounter, the fixture inevitably evokes memories of their dramatic Euro 2016 final. This time, however, it’s not the ultimate prize at stake, but a place in the coveted Euro 2024 semifinals. Both teams arrive with star-studded squads and ambitions to lift the trophy, yet their paths to this stage have been far from smooth, raising questions about their form and title credentials.
Portugal’s Rocky Road to the Quarterfinals
Portugal’s Euro 2024 campaign has been a rollercoaster of emotions. They began confidently with two victories, only to be stunned by a defeat to Georgia, throwing their group dominance into disarray. Their Round of 16 match against Slovenia was another nail-biter, requiring a penalty shootout to secure their quarterfinal berth. While talents like Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes have found the net, the spotlight has been firmly fixed on their legendary captain, Cristiano Ronaldo.
At 39 years old, and participating in a record sixth European Championship, Ronaldo’s goal-scoring prowess appears to be diminishing. He missed a penalty against Slovenia in extra time, a moment that visibly frustrated the iconic forward. Although he converted his penalty in the subsequent shootout, concerns linger about his overall contribution in open play. Despite unleashing more shots than any other player at Euro 2024 (20), Ronaldo is yet to score in his last eight major tournament matches, prompting debates about his starting place and Portugal’s reliance on him.
France Searching for Spark in Attack
France, entering the tournament as pre-tournament favorites and boasting two World Cup titles, have also shown signs of sluggishness. Remarkably, they have yet to score a goal from open play in Euro 2024. Kylian Mbappe, their talismanic forward, converted a penalty on his return against Poland after suffering a broken nose in their opening match. France’s other goals have been credited to opposition own goals, highlighting their struggles to unlock defenses and convert chances through open play.
France’s coaching staff have defended their attacking stars, including Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann, against recent criticism. Assistant coach Guy Stephan acknowledged the impact of Mbappe’s injury, stating, “We all downplayed Mbappe’s broken nose a bit… The mask he is forced to play with is not easy, it’s difficult for his peripheral vision.” He also pointed to Mbappe’s demanding season and Griezmann’s incredible consistency for the national team as factors to consider during this slight dip in form. For France to progress deeper into the tournament and live up to their favorites tag, their attacking firepower needs to ignite.
Euro 2016 Final Rematch?
This quarterfinal fixture is laden with historical significance as it mirrors the Euro 2016 final in Paris. In that memorable encounter, Portugal defied expectations, defeating the host nation France 1-0 in extra time, courtesy of Eder’s stunning goal. France will be eager to avenge that defeat and move closer to their third European Championship title, while Portugal aims to replicate their 2016 triumph and secure their second.
The winner of this high-stakes quarterfinal will face either Germany or Spain in the semifinal in Munich, setting up a potentially thrilling path to the Euro 2024 final. As Portugal and France prepare to lock horns once again, the football world anticipates a captivating battle between two European powerhouses, each striving to overcome their attacking woes and seize their moment in Euro 2024 history.
FIFA Rankings:
Portugal (6), France (2)
Head-to-head Record:
28 games – Portugal 6 wins, France 19 wins, 3 draws.
Last Five Matches:
Portugal: D L W W W
France: W D D W D
Source: Al Jazeera and news agencies
