France and Portugal meet in the Euro 2024 last eight in a rematch of the final from eight years ago. The pair are housed in the star-studded top half of the draw and this looks like an intriguing tie.
Both teams failed to convince in their round of 16 games, where France needed a late own goal from Belgium to sneak past the Red Devils, while Portugal were fortunate to get the better of Slovenia, who missed a golden opportunity in extra-time before losing on penalties.
Now these European heavyweights face off in this blockbuster quarter-final clash in Hamburg on Friday
France @ 27/20 with bet365
France have reached the final of three of the last four major tournaments, but they will need to improve if they are to repeat the trick in Germany.
Les Bleus have been solid defensively, only conceding once from a Robert Lewandowski penalty, but their attacking stars have failed to shine.
Didier Deschamps’ men drew with the Netherlands and Poland in the group stages and both of their wins, over Austria and Belgium respectively, have been by 1-0 scorelines.
Their defensive solidity should stand them in good stead against this Portugal team, however, with the Iberians having looked vulnerable to the counter-attack against Slovenia.
The presence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who fails to work hard off the ball and has wasted opportunities with it, also gives an advantage to Les Bleus and they can grind out a win over this Portugal side.
Kylian Mbappe to score at any time @ 7/4 with bet365
Kylian Mbappe has failed to live up to his billing as star of this tournament after breaking his nose in France’s opener against Austria.
He netted against Poland, but has accumulated an expected goals figure of 2.5 and only Ronaldo and Kai Havertz have managed more.
Mbappe also ranks second in shots with 14 despite missing France’s game against the Netherlands and a player of his quality is likely to find the net again sooner rather than later given the chances that he gets.
In a game that could come down to a moment of attacking quality from the stars on the pitch, Mbappe is fancied to provide it.
Joao Palhinha to be shown a card @ 21/10 with bet365
Joao Palhinha is at the heart of Portugal’s midfield and that is reflected in the fact that he has made 13 tackles in 210 minutes of action.
He has also given away the highest number of fouls of any Portugal player and has already been booked at the tournament.
Palhinha was shown 13 cards in 31 Premier League starts last season and picked up two in six games during qualifying, so is a more than decent to be booked again in this game.
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