Euro 2024 - Portugal vs France: Team News and Prediction
The second quarter-final of Euro 2024 takes place on Friday night as Portugal take on France in Hamburg.
Ahead of this monster meeting, we run through the necessary pre-match information, including what time this quarter-final clash kicks off, team news and the key battle.
When is kick off?
Friday 5th July, 20:00 (BST)
Where is the match?
Volksparkstadion, Hamburg (Germany)
Portugal vs France Team News
Portugal have no injury or suspension concerns ahead of Friday's meeting with France. Roberto Martinez will likely continue with the same XI that started the last-16 win over Slovenia.
Didier Deschamps will need to make at least one change from the side that started against Belgium. Adrien Rabiot is suspended and Deschamps needs to decide whether to revert to a 4-2-3-1 shape and bring Ousmane Dembele into side or opt for a diamond midfield, with Eduardo Camavinga coming into the XI.
Portugal vs France Probable XIs
Portugal (4231) - Costa; Cancelo, Pepe, Dias, Mendes; Vitinha, Palhinha; Silva, Fernandes, Leao; Ronaldo
France (4312) - Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez; Kante, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Griezmann; Thuram, Mbappe
Portugal vs France Key Battle
Once again questions are being asked of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portugal captain not only missed a penalty in the eventual shootout win over Slovenia, but he managed eight shots in the round-of-16 success. Ronaldo boasts the biggest xG underperformance at Euro 2024 and he'll be keen to put that right on Friday night.
However, that'll be easier said than done when he comes up against Arsenal's William Saliba. France have only conceded once across four games, that a Robert Lewandowski penalty, with Saliba solid at the back alongside Dayot Upamecano with the Gunners star misplacing just nine passes so far.