France did not shine last night despite qualifying against Portugal in the semi-finals of the Euros. But the Portuguese, who have not managed to score in three matches, faced the defensive strength of Didier Deschamps's men, the Imperials once again.
Facing the French, who have yet to score a goal in the match (the Blues' three goals so far have come from the penalty spot and two own goals), the Portuguese have not found a solution and have had to wait until the end of the season. evening to decide their fate. After the penalty shootout, the Seleção returned home.
The Portuguese press was furious this morning after this exclusion. On the front page of A Bola, there is no Cristiano Ronaldo, no Pepe, not even Kylian Mbappé. But Mike Maignan, perfect last night, is at work after a shot from Vitinha. “Six hours without scoring” is the headline of the Portuguese daily, referring to Portugal's lack of quality, having not scored since their second match, a 3-0 win over Turkey. “The lack of shots sends the national team home,” continues A Bola.
“The French team is still strong”
In his article, João Bimpeme praised Portugal for having “greater magic” after the final whistle. “Portugal’s best performance was the one in which the team showed itself to be more mature, more solid, more united and more talented, but it proved insufficient to overcome once again the always strong French team, which it had, in this Hamburg challenge,” he wrote. “More than ever, there is enormous respect for the Portuguese opponent, who is also very strong.”
In another article, A Bola once again touches on the French team that “convinces no one”. The Portuguese media write: “Didier Deschamps' team beat Portugal in Hamburg, but they may find it difficult to remember the last goal they scored in this European Championship.”
“Moral victories and unjust defeats”
For its part, Record magazine chose to make its front page about João Félix, the unlucky Portuguese shooter whose shot on goal hit Mike Maignan's post. “Infélix” is the headline of the daily newspaper, playing with words so as not to write “infeliz” (“unfortunate”). In the photo, Cristiano Ronaldo is in the foreground, but as blurry as his match and future with the national team.
But the sports newspaper did not forget to mention the French team under the title “Moral victories and unfair defeats” in its report on the matches. And finally the title “O Jogo” in French “It's over”, with coach Roberto Martinez hugging Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha after his team was eliminated.
