Portugal and France were both pushed to the edge in their respective round of 16 ties, but it is Les Bleus who look the more likely of the pair to make the semi-finals when they meet in Hamburg on Saturday.
Didier Deschamps’ side were deserved winners against Belgium, despite their struggles, but Portugal have failed to score against two huge underdogs now and face a tough task against the best defensive side in the tournament.
- FRANCE TO QUALIFY
- UNDER 1.5 GOALS
- KYLIAN MBAPPE TO SCORE ANYTIME
Les Bleus Have The Edge
France may have required a late own goal to avoid extra-time against Belgium, but they have the star quality to beat a Portugal side who have failed to score against Georgia and Slovenia in their last two matches.
Les Bleus have only scored three times, two of which have been own goals, but they are among the leaders of the tournament when it comes to the underlying statistics.
Only Germany and Spain have generated more expected goals and taken more shots than Didier Deschamps’ side, while they top the charts with their 2.6 expected goals against so far.
These figures are made all the more impressive when you consider the quality of France’s opponents, with the likes of Belgium, Netherlands and Austria providing tougher tests compared to the other frontrunners of the tournament.
They have only conceded one goal in their last six games and should have the beating of Portugal, who have a few ageing legs who may be suffering after being taken to penalties against Slovenia.
FRANCE TO QUALIFY
BET ON PORTUGAL VS FRANCE
Tight Affair Expected
While France should get over the line at the Volksparkstadion, it is unlikely to be an entertaining affair for the neutrals.
Four of the last five meetings between these nations have seen fewer than two goals scored and both sides have been struggling to find the net recently.
France’s four Euro 2024 fixtures have produced just four goals in total, while Portugal’s only convincing attacking display was in their 3-0 win over Turkey, with them failing to score in 210 minutes of play since then.
Under 1.5 goals has landed in four of France’s last five games, so expect another cagey meeting in Hamburg.
UNDER 1.5 GOALS
Mbappe To Strike Decisive Blow
With two of France’s three Euro 2024 goals being own goals, Kylian Mbappe is the only French player to score so far in the tournament and he can add to his tally against Portugal on Friday.
France’s captain has taken 14 shots in his three appearances so far and has generated a team-high 2.52 expected goals.
The Real Madrid-bound forward came into this tournament having scored 44 goals in 48 appearances for PSG this season and he can rediscover his scoring touch when he faces the Selecao.
KYLIAN MBAPPE TO SCORE ANYTIME
