Portugal and France meet in a heavyweight clash for a coveted place in the Euro 2024 semi-finals.
Neither side has played their best football at this tournament as of yet but expect fireworks when the two world-class teams meet on Friday evening.
Read on as NetBet previews the huge fixture and when betting on Euro 2024 with us, take advantage of our Acca Boost feature.
Portugal vs France
Friday, July 5, 8pm
Volksparkstadion, Hamburg, Germany
Live on BBC One
Preview
Portugal will count themselves very lucky to be in the final eight after their eventful last-16 clash with Slovenia on Monday evening.
Roberto Martinez’s side progressed by virtue of winning a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa was the hero as he saved all three of Slovenia’s penalties.
However, that only tells half the story, as Cristiano Ronaldo’s surprise penalty miss in extra-time could have proved fatal. Soon after, Benjamin Sesko missed a fantastic late chance to secure a Slovenia victory following an uncharacteristic mistake from Pepe.
But the main thing for Portugal is that, despite the frailties on show, they are through to the quarter-finals, although Martinez’s men will have to improve significantly in order to break down and beat an experienced France outfit.
Les Bleus defeated Belgium 1-0 in their last-16 encounter thanks to a late Jan Vertonghen own goal, with William Saliba, N’Golo Kante and Jules Kounde the standout performers.
France’s strong defensive spine vs Portugal’s array of talented forwards and creators, including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha and Rafael Leao? It could be quite the spectacle in Hamburg and it is hard to predict which force will come out on top, with the match being the toughest assignment for both teams thus far.
Portugal skipper Ronaldo certainly cannot afford to be as wasteful against Didier Deschamps’ outfit as he was vs Slovenia, though and as per usual, the spotlight will be on the five-time Ballon d’Or winner heading into this massive fixture.
In the Euro 2020 group stage, Ronaldo scored a brace against Les Bleus in a 2-2 draw – and he would love to repeat that goalscoring feat in a victory for his nation this time around.
Odds
*Odds are subject to change
France are the favourites here 2.38, while Portugal are priced at 3.41.
Betting Tips
Ron a roll
Despite his best efforts, Ronaldo is yet to score at Euro 2024. That has to change soon, right? The 39-year-old is usually the man for the biggest occasions and as such, we can see him lashing the ball past France stopper Mike Maignan on Friday. Ronaldo to score anytime is 3.02.
King Kylian
Mbappe is yet to find the back of the net from open play this tournament having scored from the penalty spot in the 1-1 draw with Poland. He will be desperate to rectify that against Portugal, who may be the perfect opponent for the France captain with the space their full-backs leave in behind. Mbappe to score first on the night is at 5.00.
BetBuilder
If you fancy Mbappe to score but do not want to risk putting him as the first scorer, we like the look of a BetBuilder which involves France winning and plenty of goals. Mbappe to score anytime, France to win, over 2.5 goals in the game and both teams to score is 7.50.
Portugal Team News
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Costa, Cancelo, Pepe, Dias, Mendes, Palhinha, Vitinha, Fernandes, Bernardo, Ronaldo, Leao
Suspensions: None
France Team News
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Maignan, Kounde, Saliba, Upamencano, Hernandez, Tchouameni, Kante, Camavinga, Griezmann, Dembele, Mbappe
Suspensions: Rabiot
Score Prediction
Portugal 1-2 France
When you choose NetBet Sport, you can enjoy a whole range of top-quality sports and markets. Whatever you choose, always remember to bet responsibly. Here at NetBet, player wellbeing is our number one priority – check out our Responsible Gambling tips and tools page for more information.
