UEFA Euro 2024 is set for a thrilling showdown in the second quarterfinal as Portugal faces France at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg. This match is a repeat of the Euro 2016 final, where Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal to their first major trophy against France. Both teams entered the tournament as favourites but have not entirely lived up to expectations so far. Ahead of the Portugal vs France Euro 2024 quarterfinals game let us take a look at the prediction.
Portugal vs France Prediction
Portugal and France have both struggled throughout the tournament. Despite their impressive rosters, neither side has been prolific in front of goal. However, France’s superior defensive strength gives them a slight edge. This quarterfinal is expected to be a low-scoring affair, with France more likely to emerge victorious.
According to the Opta supercomputer, France has a 39.4% chance of winning in regulation time at the Volksparkstadion. Portugal has a 31% chance of victory, while the probability of a draw stands at 29.6%, suggesting that extra time and penalties are a real possibility. When considering the potential for extra time and penalties, the supercomputer gives France a 60.6% chance of reaching the semifinals, compared to Portugal’s 39.4%. Thus, Insidesport.IN predicts a narrow 2-1 win for France over the Euro 2016 champions.
Portugal form in Euro 2024
In their last match, Roberto Martínez’s Portugal relied on Diogo Costa’s penalty heroics against Slovenia to advance. Despite their array of attacking talents, Portugal has struggled to convert opportunities in Germany, and every advantage will be crucial in this tight contest.
Portugal hasn’t scored in their last two matches, an unusual drought for them at a major tournament. They recorded an xG (expected goals) total of 1.97 against Slovenia but failed to capitalize on these opportunities. Against tougher opponents, such inefficiency could prove costly. Martínez faces a tough decision regarding Cristiano Ronaldo. The 39-year-old had a difficult game against Slovenia but redeemed himself by scoring the first penalty in the shootout.
During the match in Frankfurt, Ronaldo had the most shots (eight), shots on target (four), and touches in the opposition box (seven) of any player. However, he has yet to score at Euro 2024 despite taking 20 shots, the most of any player in the tournament.
France form in Euro 2024
France, like Portugal, has had issues scoring. Their three goals at Euro 2024 have come from two own goals and a Kylian Mbappé penalty. Not since a run of five matches between March and September 2013 have France failed to score from open play in so many consecutive games.
However, France’s defense has been exceptional. They have an xGA (expected goals against) total of just 2.63 at Euro 2024, the lowest among the quarterfinalists and the second lowest overall, behind the already-eliminated Serbia (2.57). France has kept three clean sheets in four matches, the most in the tournament, despite their attacking struggles.
France’s forward line, consisting of Kylian Mbappé, Marcus Thuram, and Antoine Griezmann, has not been very effective. Randal Kolo Muani was brought in late against Belgium, but the performance was still lacking sharpness. France had 19 shots against Belgium but only two on target, with a fortunate own goal securing their win. Didier Deschamps has the option to adjust his forward lineup for this match.
Portugal vs France Predicted XI
Portugal Predicted XI:
Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Pepe, Mendes; Palhinha, Vitinha; Silva, Fernandes, Leao; Ronaldo
France Predicted XI:
Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Kante, Tchouameni; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Kolo Muani
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