Preview: Portugal vs France
Portugal vs
France
As Portugal and France clash in a crucial Euro 2020 Group F encounter in Budapest, Cristiano Ronaldo's side seeks redemption after a high-scoring loss to Germany, while Didier Deschamps' unbeaten French team aims to recover from a surprising draw against Hungary to secure their path to the last 16.
Portugal
Portugal failed to pick up any points on Saturday the 19th when they faced Germany for a Match Day 2 encounter. The Navigators charted their course to Germany’s goal territory with a well-executed counter-attack, allowing Cristiano Ronaldo (15’) to add another goal to his haul.
Before Ronaldo's goal, Germany had a goal by Serge Gnabry disallowed due to a handball in the build-up. Minutes after Ronaldo's goal, Germany took the lead through two own goals from Ruben Dias (35’ OG) and Raphael Guerreiro (39’ OG).
Kai Havertz (51’) extended Germany’s lead, and a header from Robin Gosens (61’) made it 4-1. Six minutes later, Diogo Jota reduced the deficit with a 67th-minute goal, assisted magnificently by Ronaldo’s acrobatic volley across the goal.
The highest-scoring game of the tournament so far leaves Portugal with a form of DWDWWL. The Navigators head into Match Day 3 with 3 points and a goal difference of +1, after 1 win, 0 draws, and 1 loss.
A 4-2-3-1 formation featuring Cristiano Ronaldo leading the attack ahead of an attacking midfield trio is expected once again on Wednesday. They remain 3rd in the Group F standings.
France
France managed to claim a point against Hungary on Match Day 2. Attila Fiola (45') had put Hungary ahead at the stroke of half-time before Antoine Griezmann (66') leveled the scoreline shortly after the break.
Despite the disappointing draw, France remains at the top of Group F with 4 points, and a goal difference of +1 after 1W, 1D & 0L. They return on Match Day 3 unbeaten, following their very first draw in six games across all competitions: WWWWWD.
Ousmane Dembele picked up an injury against Hungary and has been ruled out of this fixture, possibly for the remainder of the tournament, due to a knee tendon issue. Hungary put on the match of their lives, said Didier Deschamps in his post-match interview.
Good for them! It's a point. It's obviously not what we hoped for but, given the context, we will take it anyway, he added. Deschamps will be looking to pick up three points against Portugal to secure a last-16 berth for his team.
A 4—3—1—2 formation with Benzema and Kylian Mbappe leading the attack as a duo is expected from the 52-year-old when France returns on Match Day 3.
