France and Portugal renew their European Championship rivalry on Friday in a quarter-final showdown in which almost all of the focus will be on the two captains, Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo.

France and Portugal renew their European Championship rivalry tonight in a quarter-final showdown in which almost all of the focus will be on the two captains: Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The last-eight encounter in Hamburg brings together two of the most fancied nations coming into Euro 2024, but who have not completely convinced so far in Germany.

France have reached a sixth quarter-final in the last seven major tournaments despite not one of their players scoring a goal in open play. The other side of the coin is that they have only let in one goal.

Mbappe has not been at his sharpest since returning from a broken nose and the spot-kick he converted against Poland is the only goal he has scored in seven appearances at the Euros.

Meanwhile, Portugal reached this stage by beating Slovenia in a penalty shootout following a goalless 120 minutes.

Goalkeeper Diogo Costa was the hero in saving all three of Slovenia’s efforts, but the game will also be remembered for Ronaldo’s tears after he had a penalty saved in extra time. Many feel Ronaldo, 39, is holding back a supremely talented Portugal side, but coach Roberto Martinez continues to defend the veteran forward.

Portugal must now try to find a way through a watertight French defense, while France boss Didier Deschamps needs to find a replacement in his midfield for the suspended Adrien Rabiot.

These sides met in the group phase of the last Euros three years ago, when Ronaldo netted two penalties for Portugal in a 2-2 draw.

When they have clashed in the knockout rounds, the winner has always gone on to lift the trophy. Portugal won the Euro 2016 final against France in Paris, while Michel Platini’s extra-time strike in the 1984 semi-final and Zinedine Zidane’s golden-goal penalty in the semis in 2000 lifted France.

Related Posts

Quick change! Selena Gomez flashes her toned curves in s*x* red satin number… after wowing on the Grammys red carpet in plunging blue sequined gown

Just hours before, she strutted down the red carpet alongside BFF Taylor Swift at this year’s Grammy Awards in a striking blue sequinned gown. But it was all change as Selena Gomez slipped into another number…

Read more

Selena Gomez puts on a daring display in a leotard and sheer body stocking as she is joined by Joe Jonas on her Revival tour

She’s been hard at work on her Revival tour, which kicked off last month. And Selena Gomez was joined by pop star pal Joe Jonas and his band DNCE as…

Read more

Selena Gomez puts on a leggy display in a strapless blush pink mini dress as she leads the stars at the Hollywood Beauty Awards

She is fresh off of releasing her latest album and announcing her new cosmetic line, both titled: Rare. And Selena Gomez was the picture of elegance in a chic blush pink…

Read more

CELEBRITY WORLD: Jay-Z throws lavish party to bond with close friends

To celebrate Mary J. Blige’s two nominations this year, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and close pals Pharrell, Diddy, and others threw her an Oscars after-party, and she performed at the event. ….

Read more

JAY-Z and daughter Blue Ivy attended a youth basketball game and presented a $5 million prize

Music mogul JAY-Z and his incredibly gifted daughter, Blue Ivy, recently attended a youth basketball game together in a touching demonstration of father-daughter affection. The event, which took place in…

Read more

Beyonce looked as stunning as ever while filming in Kingston, wearing a fringed jacket and shorts as she rode on the back of Jay Z’s motorbike

This week, BEYONCE and Jay Z resumed their siege of Jamaica by filming new sequences there.  The renowned pair was spotted riding a motorcycle once more while filming parts for…

Read more

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *