Portugal vs France
A re-run of the Euro 2016 final at the group stages of Euro 2020. It probably shouldn’t have happened. In fact, it definitely should not be that the reigning European champions are meeting the reigning world champions at such an early stage of a major competition.
Yet that is where we are and for those of you who lament some of the matches the group stages traditionally provide, this could be an exception.
History tells us it will be and that is why we all expect Euro 2020 highlights in Hungary on Wednesday night.
Talking Points
Portugal’s triumph in 2016 was the nation’s greatest football moment. A first major title against a country who were playing on home soil and firm favourites.
Granted, France dusted themselves down and recovered to be crowned world champions two years later.
But that defeat really stung Les Bleus and they will be out for a modicum of revenge in the Puskas Arena.
They will also be heartened by what they witnessed on Saturday teatime in Munich: when a combination of woeful defending (and fine German play) was starkly laid bare and Fernando Santos’ men shipped four goals in 25 minutes, becoming the first European nation ever to concede two own goals in a single match at a major tournament (World Cup or Euros).
For all the magic of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has now has netted 19 goals at the World Cup and European Championships combined – no European player has ever scored more across the two competitions (level with Miroslav Klose) – Portugal need to tighten up instantly if they are to reach the knockout stages.
For those looking for omens, France have lost six of their eight matches in Hungary, all in Budapest.
Granted that was some time ago and their last visit brought a first win – a 3-1 friendly success at the Népstadion (later the Ferenc Puskás Stadium) in March 1990 in which Eric Cantona scored twice.
Since then, of course, the national side has twice won the World Cup, as well as the European Championship, and is currently unbeaten in its past 11 group stage games at major tournaments, winning seven and drawing four ever since a 2-0 loss to Sweden at Euro 2012.
Indeed, with four points, France have probably done enough already to reach the last 16 from Group F.
In Antoine Griezmann (the top scorer at Euro 2016), they also have the joint-third top scorer in the tournament’s history after he scored against Hungary at the weekend.
He and Kylian Mbappe will relish a repeat Portuguese defensive display.
Pepe, Ruben Dias et al need to tighten up fast or the European champions could be heading home early.
History
The nations met twice last autumn in the Nations League when a goalless draw in France was followed by a 1-0 France win in Lisbon when N’Golo Kante netted the only goal.
In truth, though, this is their first meeting on the world stage since the final nearly five years ago.
That 2016 triumph not only sparked a nation’s finest hour but eased the hurt they have suffered at the hands of the French in major competition.
In the 2006 World Cup semi-final, a Zinedine Zidane penalty separated the sides.
At Euro 2000, Zidane was the match-winner again with a late, extra-time penalty at the same stage. The current coach Didier Deschamps was Les Bleus’ captain
And when France were crowned 1984 European Champions, along the way they saw off Portugal 3-2 in the semi-final as Michel Platini scored a last-gasp extra-time winner.
Betting Tip
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Portugal vs France | France Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 2.25 |
| June 24, 03:00 (GMT+8) |
The SBOTOP Euro 2020 betting odds give the world champions the edge over the European champions which is hardly a surprise given the performance of the Portuguese defence against Germany.
Les Bleus can be backed 1X2 @ 2.25 and Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 2.25.
The Selecao, meanwhile, are available to back at a very attractive 1X2 @ 3.50 and Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.02.
Goals will deliver winnings too with over 2.25 goals on offer @ 2.06, total goal 2-3 @ 1.91 and 4-6 @ 4.70.
If Portugal are to seal another 1-0 success, then correct score will earn you a pay day @ 8.50.
A 1-0 France win is available @ 6.00.
The draw would, to a degree, suit both nations in their bid to emerge from the ‘Group of Death’ and @ 2.87 will appeal to many.
I cannot see past a France win, though, after the Germans so easily dissected the Portugal defence.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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