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| Photo: Telecom Asia |
Portugal and France will face each other in a highly anticipated Group F clash on Thursday, June 24, as the reigning champions take on the world champions in the final night of group game action at Euro 2020.
Mystic Theo, a pet tortoise belonging to Sheffield nurse Joan Pons Laplana, is making predictions for the winners at Euro 2020. Theo correctly predicted England’s victory against Croatia in their opening match. Watch the prediction for the intense match between Portugal and France in the video below:
Video: Super Turtle Predictions
Super Turtle has three options: France win, Portugal win, or a draw. Finally, Super Turtle chooses France.
Portugal vs France: Date, Kick-Off Time, and Venue
The Portugal vs France match is scheduled for a 2 a.m kick-off on Thursday, June 24, 2021 (Hanoi time).
The match will take place at the Ferenc Puskas Stadium in Budapest, Hungary.
Possible Line-Ups
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Portugal: Rui Patrício; Nélson Semedo, Rúben Dias, Pepe, Guerreiro; Danilo, Renato Sanches, Bruno Fernandes; Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo, Diogo Jota Misses next match if booked: Rúben Dias France: Lloris; Koundé, Varane, Kimpembe, Hernández; Pogba, Kanté, Tolisso; Griezmann, Benzema, Mbappé Out: Dembélé (knee) Misses next match if booked: Pavard |
Reporters’ Views
Carlos Machado, Portugal reporter: Playing against France knowing that they need a result is not the ideal situation for Portugal going into their last group game, with elimination still a possibility. Coach Fernando Santos had an informal chat and press conference solely for the Portuguese press, where he discussed tactics and the need to refresh the team. They will face the world champions aiming to secure their place in the last 16 without relying on results elsewhere, according to Uefa.
David Crossan, France reporter: The message from Didier Deschamps to his squad after the disappointing result against Hungary was simple: “Win against Portugal and we’ll top the group.” After struggling in the sweltering conditions, Les Bleus will be relieved to play after the Budapest sun goes down. I expect to see more energy and purpose from Deschamps’ side, and I predict that Karim Benzema will finally score his first EURO goal on his ninth appearance in the finals.
Storylines
Portugal: As it stands, a draw will guarantee Portugal a place as one of the four best third-place teams. However, a defeat could put them in a tricky situation. It’s worth noting that in the Euro 2016 final, Portugal was considered the underdog but emerged as the champion.
France: A win for France will secure them first place in the group, meaning they would face a third-place team in the next round. A draw might not be enough for them, as Germany is favored against Hungary and could win the group with a victory. France will be looking for better results in attack, as they have struggled to score goals in the tournament so far, cited cbssport.
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| Cristiano Ronaldo. Photo: Getty Images/Hassenstein |
Portugal vs France Prediction
Prediction: Portugal 1 – 2 France
Portugal started strongly against Germany but suffered a 4-2 defeat due to two own goals in the first half. They are currently third in Group F, and a draw may still be enough to advance to the next round of Euro 2020.
France only needs to avoid defeat to secure their place in the knockout stages. The two teams have previously met in the UEFA Nations League, with France winning four points from their two encounters with Portugal.
In a repeat of the Euro 2016 final, France may have the edge over Portugal to secure first place in the “Group of Death,” cited knowinsiders.
Head-to-Head (H2H) History and Results
Portugal wins: 6
Draws: 2
France wins: 19
Portugal vs France Team News
Portugal may make changes to their lineup after a weak performance against Germany, with midfielder Renato Sanches expected to start in place of Bernardo Silva. Joao Felix and Nuno Mendes, who missed the previous match, have since trained with the rest of the squad.
Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, and Karim Benzema will be looking to contribute more goals for France. Manager Didier Deschamps has alternative options up front, such as Olivier Giroud, Kingsley Coman, and Wissam Ben Yedder. However, Ousmane Dembele has been ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury.
Form Guide (Most Recent First)
| Portugal: LWWDWD
France: DWWWWW |
