The Euro 2024 quarterfinals are set to deliver a blockbuster clash as Portugal and France, two pre-tournament favorites, face off in a highly anticipated encounter. This match is not just another quarterfinal; it’s a rematch of the unforgettable Euro 2016 final where Portugal stunned host nation France to lift the trophy. While both squads are brimming with world-class talent, their journey in Euro 2024 has been marked by inconsistency, particularly in their attacking prowess, adding an element of unpredictability to this high-stakes game.
Cristiano Ronaldo's frustrated reaction during a Euro 2024 match, highlighting Portugal's attacking struggles.
Echoes of Euro 2016: Can Portugal Repeat History?
The memory of the Euro 2016 final in Paris is still vivid for football fans worldwide. Portugal, against all odds, defeated a heavily favored French side on their home turf. Eder’s extra-time goal sealed a historic 1-0 victory, handing Portugal their first major international title and leaving France heartbroken. This Euro 2024 quarterfinal provides France with a chance for revenge and Portugal the opportunity to prove their 2016 triumph was no fluke. The narrative of the Euro 2016 final is intrinsically linked to this upcoming match, adding significant weight to the “Uefa Euro 2016 Portugal Vs France” keyword and search intent.
Portugal’s Rollercoaster to the Quarterfinals
Portugal’s Euro 2024 campaign has been anything but smooth. They began with promising victories but then suffered a shocking defeat against Georgia. Their round of 16 match against Slovenia was another nail-biter, requiring a penalty shootout after a tense draw. While the brilliance of Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes has shone through with crucial goals, the spotlight has been on Cristiano Ronaldo’s struggles in front of goal. At 39, and playing in his record sixth European Championship, Ronaldo’s frustration was palpable when his penalty was saved against Slovenia. Despite converting in the subsequent shootout, questions linger about his effectiveness as his goal-scoring touch seems to be waning. Ronaldo’s tournament-leading 20 shots fired have yet to translate into a goal in his last eight major tournament appearances, raising concerns about Portugal’s attacking efficiency against a strong French defense.
France’s Faltering Attack: Mbappe and Griezmann Under Pressure
France, entering Euro 2024 as one of the top favorites and reigning World Cup finalists, have also displayed an uncharacteristically sluggish attack. Remarkably, their goals in the tournament have primarily come from a penalty by Kylian Mbappe and own goals from their opponents. Mbappe, who suffered a broken nose in France’s opening match, has been playing with a protective mask, which, according to assistant coach Guy Stephan, has impacted his peripheral vision and overall performance. Antoine Griezmann, another key figure in the French attack, has also faced scrutiny despite his vast experience and consistent contribution to the national team over the years. Stephan defended both players, highlighting Mbappe’s injury and Griezmann’s extensive playing history, suggesting that even top players experience dips in form. For France to truly contend for the Euro 2024 title, Mbappe and Griezmann must rediscover their scoring touch and ignite the French attack, especially against a resilient Portuguese side.
Clash of Titans: Volksparkstadion Awaits
The Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, Germany, will be the stage for this epic quarterfinal showdown. The winner of this Portugal vs France clash will advance to the semifinal in Munich to face either Germany or Spain, setting up a potentially mouth-watering path to the Euro 2024 final. This match is more than just a quarterfinal; it is a clash of footballing philosophies, a battle of generations, and a chance for redemption or reaffirmation. As Portugal and France prepare to lock horns, the football world eagerly anticipates whether history will repeat itself or if France will finally overcome the ghosts of Euro 2016.
Match Details:
- Who: Portugal vs France
- What: Euro 2024 quarterfinals
- Where: Volksparkstadion, Hamburg, Germany
- When: Friday, July 5, 9pm local time (19:00 GMT)
- How to follow: Live text commentary on Al Jazeera starting three hours before kickoff.
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
