As Euro 2024 reaches its quarterfinal stage, Portugal and France prepare for a showdown between two tournament favorites, despite neither team being widely expected to clinch the title.
The highly anticipated encounter, brimming with superstars on both sides, comes with its share of struggles, particularly in attack.
Portugal’s journey has been a rollercoaster, starting strong with two wins before a surprising defeat to Georgia. The Selecao then narrowly advanced to the quarterfinals after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Slovenia.
While Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes have found the back of the net, veteran skipper Cristiano Ronaldo has faced difficulties. The 39-year-old, playing in a record sixth Euros, had a penalty saved in extra time against Slovenia, leading to an emotional outburst.
Though Ronaldo converted in the ensuing shootout, his place in the lineup is under scrutiny due to his recent goal drought.
The Al Nassr forward has taken more shots than any other player at Euro 2024 (20) but has failed to score in his last eight tournament matches.
On the other side, pre-tournament favorites and two-time world champions France have also been lackluster, especially in open play. Kylian Mbappe, who scored a penalty in his comeback against Poland after breaking his nose, has not found the net from open play.
France’s other goals in the tournament have come from the opposition. Assistant coach Guy Stephan defended both Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann against mounting criticism.
“We all downplayed Mbappe’s broken nose a bit,” Stephan told reporters. “It doesn’t explain everything, but the shock was traumatic. The mask he is forced to play with is not easy; it’s difficult for his peripheral vision. He also had a somewhat tiring end to the season. But Kylian remains a top, top-level player. There are times when these top-level players are a little less good.
⚪️🤝🏻 Mbappé: “I have the opportunity to start my dream of playing for Real Madrid, I hope to write the history of Real Madrid”.
“But Cristiano’s story at Real Madrid was unique. I hope to do something unique. I only have praise for him. We are in contact, he’s a legend”. pic.twitter.com/eAbFEgQVRa
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 4, 2024
“With Griezmann, we’re talking about a player who has 133 caps, who has scored 44 goals, who, until last March, played more than 80 matches in a row for the France team,” he added.
The misfiring forward lines of both teams need to find their spark as the winner will face either Germany or Spain in the semifinal in Munich.
Friday’s contest also revisits the Euro 2016 final, where Portugal stunned host France with a 1-0 victory, courtesy of an extra-time goal by striker Eder. France aims for their third European title, while Portugal seeks to add to their solitary 2016 triumph.
As both teams head into this crucial match, fans eagerly await to see if Ronaldo can rediscover his scoring touch or if France’s attacking duo will ignite their title bid. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter, with both sides needing to bring their best to advance in Euro 2024.