Matthew Warnier, Media365: Published on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 5:10 p.m.
This Friday, the Blues will meet Portugal for a place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. It is a duel that is expected to be tense and for which it is not easy to identify a favourite.
The Blues will continue their difficult journey. Second in Group D behind Austria, Didier Deschamps's men have not spared themselves an easy trip in the final stage of Euro 2024. Indeed, after a painful victory over Belgium, the French team will meet Portugal on Friday in Hamburg. A match in which the Seleção captain promised that his team would go to “war” after the qualification obtained at the end of a slow match against Slovenia, which ended in a penalty shootout in which Diogo Costa played the leading roles in the cage. A performance far from expectations, or even ambitions, which confirmed the inconsistent group stage. To enter the competition, Portugal had to respond to the Czech Republic to snatch victory in extra time. Against Turkey, the Seleção gave a glimpse of its potential with a big win in a match it clearly dominated.
irregular portugal
The first two meetings allowed to draw a solid framework for Roberto Martínez, with the experience of Pepe or the slaughter of Vitinha or the rhythm of Bernardo Silva. Added to this is the young generation represented by Francisco Conceicao, the decisive scorer against the Czechs. They have managed to forget the lack of success of Cristiano Ronaldo who, despite his good intentions, has not been able to open his goal tally. However, the defeat against Georgia against a marginally modified team has raised little doubt that the match against Slovenia is far from being erased. But despite everything, Portugal will be in the quarter-finals and intend to be the favorites. João Palhinha told the press: “I see two teams among the strongest at Euro 2024. Spain, who are still very strong, and Austria, who have proven to be a big surprise in the Euro. Germany are also at a very good level. I think that after us they are probably the strongest. »
The Blues' toughness will be put to the test.
However, the Seleção will face an opponent of a completely different caliber. The Blues are a team capable of relying on a solid defence, with the only goal Mike Maignan has conceded in each match coming from the penalty spot. However, Didier Deschamps will have to cope without one of his executives as Adrien Rabiot, the perennial champion, will be suspended after receiving two yellow cards. This will require the French coach to review his midfield plans, at least. Finally, the relative indifference of the attack could be a problem for a Portuguese team that knows how to be practical in their quest for qualification, as the match against Slovenia demonstrated. But, on the Blue side, we should not put aside the spirit of revenge after the defeat suffered at home in the final of the European Championship 2016. For all this, it is a balanced encounter that promises to be able to play on the details.
