Football News: Portugal Face France in Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals Showdown

Portugal and France are set for a repeat of the Euro 2016 final as they battle for a spot in the semi-finals of Euro 2024. The two powerhouses of European football will lock horns on Friday, with both sides looking to book their place in the last four of the tournament.

The Passing of the International Torch

Eight years after Cristiano Ronaldo lifted the trophy at the expense of France, Kylian Mbappe could ensure the legendary Portuguese striker never plays in the tournament again. This passing of the international torch could be made when the two nations meet in the quarter-finals.

The Road to the Quarter-Finals

Portugal needed penalties to overcome Slovenia and reach the last eight after Ronaldo saw his spot-kick saved in extra-time. Meanwhile, France struggled but ultimately eliminated Belgium with a narrow 1-0 victory, courtesy of a Jan Vertonghen own-goal.

The two teams played out a 2-2 draw in the group stages of Euro 2020 before each crashing out in the round of 16. Now, three years later, they have the chance to set up a mouthwatering semi-final clash against either Spain or Euro 2024 hosts Germany.

Team Preparations and Concerns

Portugal laboured and looked disjointed in attack against Slovenia, but manager Roberto Martinez has continued to show unwavering faith in his preferred starting XI. The former Belgium boss has been reluctant to tinker too much with his lineup, with the 4-2-3-1 formation used in qualifying proving effective.

Veteran defender Pepe’s heroic performance, which saw him play 116 minutes against Slovenia, may not be enough to earn him a starting spot against the lightning-fast Mbappe. The 41-year-old’s fitness could be a major concern, with Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio waiting in the wings.

Unlike Portugal, France will be forced into at least one change to their starting lineup for the quarter-final clash. Adrien Rabiot, one of Didier Deschamps’ most trusted deputies, will miss the match due to suspension after picking up two yellow cards in the tournament.

Deschamps has a decision to make on Rabiot’s replacement, with Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga a potential like-for-like swap. However, the 21-year-old has struggled to win over the France manager, despite his impressive club form.

Alternatively, Deschamps could revert to the 4-2-3-1 shape he deployed in their tournament opener to accommodate the in-form Ousmane Dembele. The Paris Saint-Germain winger could replace Marcus Thuram, with Randal Kolo Muani also hoping to partner Mbappe upfront after his efforts against Belgium.

A Thrilling Encounter

With both teams boasting star-studded squads and a history of intense encounters, the quarter-final clash between Portugal and France promises to be a thrilling encounter that could shape the outcome of Euro 2024.

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