Venue: Volksparkstadion, Hamburg Time: 7 pm, Saturday 5th July Referee: Micheal Oliver Abel Xavier was adjudged to have handled the ba
Venue: Volksparkstadion, Hamburg
Time: 7 pm, Saturday 5th July
Referee: Micheal Oliver
Abel Xavier was adjudged to have handled the ball in the 116th minute of the semi-finals of Euro 2000 when the tie was finely poised at 1-1.
Referee Gunter Beko of Austria pointed to the spot kick to the delight of France. The legendary Zidane stepped up and fired the penalty kick to the left top corner to beat goalkeeper Vitor Baia.
France won 2-1 against Portugal to book their ticket to the finals against Italy. France had in Euro 1986 beaten Portugal in the semi-finals 3-2.
In the 2006 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, Zidane’s first half penalty was enough for France to progress to the finals.
Portugals best moment against France came when the Selecao won 1-0 against the much fancied host, France, at the Stade de France in Euro 2016. Eder’s 106th minute ferocious strike won Portugal their only major trophy and it was the best way to revenge after a series of semi-finals defeats against France.
These results make France a favourite over Portugal, historically. In the ongoing Euro 24, both teams have not impressed pretty much but they are where they were predicted to be.
39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo has been stealing the attention after he missed a penalty in the extra time. He scored in the penalty shootout against Slovenia and redeemed his image. Many think it was very unnecessary to weep when the game was still on going.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has enough experience at this level and he is optimistic that his side will triumph over France.
Didier Deschamps on the other hand is struggling to find the right tactics and formation in the middle of the tournament as he has tried many. With his attackers not scoring, many French fans have called for the veteran Giroud to start ahead of Thuram who has been so poor so far.
France is yet to score from open play after two own goals and a penalty are what they have been able to manage. Looking at the French attackers, it’s quiet surprising to see them failing to score many goals.
It is a match that both teams must double or triple the performances they have put up thus far to ensure victory. It is a game of superstars as anyone who will be selected to play is a superstar.
Probable France XI
4-2-1-3
Maignan (GK)
Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez (DF)
Kante, Tchouameni (DM)
Griezzman (AM)
Dembele, Mbappe, Barcola (FW)
Probable Portugal XI
4-3-3
Diego Costa (GK)
Cancelo, Dias, Pepe, Mendes (DF)
Palhinha, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes (MF)
Leao, Ronaldo, Bernado Silva (FW)
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