Two of Europe’s best teams clash in Group F of Euro 2020 as Portugal look to repeat the heroics of 2016 against France.
European Championship 2020
Date : Wednesday, 23 June 2021
Kick-off : 8 PM BST
Venue : Puskas Arena, Budapest
The race to top the group of death goes on till the final matchday as Portugal look to end France’s unbeaten run.
Portugal will be aiming to overcome the disappointment of matchday 2 where they lost 4-2 to Germany. Portugal entered the Euros in style with a 3-0 victory over Hungary but failed to keep the momentum as they were tore apart by the Germans after Cristiano Ronaldo’s early goal in the first half. One of the biggest concerns for Portugal was how easily Germany were able to get into their defense and cause problems and if they let France do the same, it’s going to be a long day.
France, on the other hand, also suffered disappointment after drawing 1-1 to Hungary and yes, a draw is a disappointment by France’s high standards. Les Blues were still able to maintain their unbeaten streak and thus remain on top of Group F with four points. While the defense was a concern for Portugal in the last game, it’s quite opposite for France as their attacking trio of Griezmann Benzema and Mbappe are unable to get going in the tournament so far. With the likes of Kingsley Coman, Wisam Ben Yedder and Olivier Giroud available for Didier Deschamps, we might see some tweaks here and there to finally get Les Blues scoring.
Team News
Portugal
Renato Sanches could be handed a start by Fernando Santos after an impressive performance from the bench against Germany.
France
Ousmane Dembele has been ruled out of the tournament following the hamstring tendon injury he suffered against Hungary. The Barca winger will be undergoing surgery and will remain on the sidelines for 3-4 months.
Match Stats
• Portugal have one only one of their last 13 games against France (D1 L11), that was the Euro 2016 final played at the Stade de France.
• The last four meetings between Portugal and France have produced only three goals (1 for Portugal and 2 for France).
• Following their 1-1 draw with Hungary, France have avoided defeat in more matches when trailing at half-time than any other team in European Championship history (6 – W4 D2).
• France are unbeaten in each of their last 11 group stage games at major international tournaments, winning seven and drawing four. However, each of their last three MD3 group games in these tournaments have ended level (D3).
Team Form
Portugal (last 5 matches) : L/W/W/D/W
France (last 5 matches) : D/W/W/W/W
Betting Preview
France look the stronger team on paper and on recent form but the goals seem to have dried up for Les Blues with Karim Benzema failing to make an impact so far. Portugal, however, have scored five goals so far in two games, with their star man Cristiano Ronaldo among the top scorers in the tournament so far. Even though history suggests that goals are hard to come by in this fixture, Les Blues might just edge this one and finish on top of the group.
Portugal to win @13/5
France to win @13/10
Draw @21/10
Odds subject to change – 18+|BeGambleAware.org – Please gamble responsibly
