24 of the strongest European national teams clashed in mutual battles last month, two of which are the strongest in the European Championship, and the long-awaited final will take place tonight. Competing for the title of winner are the tournament host France and the Portuguese national team. The review of this match is brought to you by "Eurofootball.com."
Match time and venue:
July 10 at 22:00, at the "Stade de France" stadium. The match will be broadcast live on the LRT channel.
Teams' journey in the tournament:
The French national team won the battles in Group A with seven points. In the Round of 16, the French conceded their first goal, but scored twice and secured a 2-1 victory against Ireland. In the quarterfinals, they had fewer problems and led 4-0 against Iceland already after the first half, ending the match with a victory of three goals - 5-2. In the semifinals, they faced Germany and won 2-0.
In the group stage, Portugal played three games with draws and advanced to the next stage as one of the four best third-place finishers. In the Round of 16, they defeated Croatia 1-0 after extra time, and in the quarterfinals, they beat Poland in a penalty shootout. In the semifinals, they fought against Wales, which they beat 2-0.
News from the teams' camps:
There are no injured or disqualified players in the French national team. In the semifinals, for the first time in this championship, Didier Deschamps fielded the same eleven players who played in the previous match, so it is likely that he will do the same for the final.
Pepe participated in Portugal's national team training yesterday and it was announced that the defender will be able to play in the final. The "Real" player had to miss the semifinal match against Wales due to a thigh injury. William Carvalho also missed the semifinal match as he had received a suspension. It is believed that he will return to the starting lineup for Portugal.
Coaches' comments:
Didier Deschamps (France): "We have the opportunity to become European champions. It doesn't matter if you are 18, 20, or much older, now is the chance to win, and we must try to take advantage of it, without thinking about what might happen in the future. The players know they have the privilege to play the European Championship final at home in Paris.
"We didn't have the opportunity to tactically prepare after the semifinal. We focused all our attention on recovering after the match, but I am convinced that my players will be ready for this big and important match.
"My victory in 2000 is just history. This is their story, although I am part of it because I am their coach. I use this as an advantage, the fact that I have won major tournaments as a player helps me, but I never speak about the past. What matters now is the present and the future.
"The Portuguese national team is strong and they are here not by coincidence. Like us, they were criticized at the beginning of the championship. Like us, they are now in the final. They are an experienced team that can change their system depending on the opponents. Their defensive triangle is very strong. They don't try to take the ball high in the field, but they will try to quickly break with their two fast players when they win the ball."
Fernando Santos (Portugal): "I have said before that our goal was to play in the final and win it. We believe in ourselves because we want to make the people of Portugal happy. We want to give them a reason to celebrate.
"I don't think it's worth discussing the French national team. Everyone knows them well. From the beginning, I said that there are three favorites to win the title: France, Spain, and Germany. Then there are other candidates, including Portugal, who can also compete for the title.
"If we cared about individual players, we should worry about all of their footballers, and I should have a list with all the surnames of the French players, as they are all well-known high-level footballers playing in the best teams. Of course, each individual player can change the course of the match, but Portugal also has strong individual players who can win matches.
"I have said many times how grateful and appreciative I am of all the fans, not only in the stadium but also beyond its borders. Their support will be even more important to us now."
Key battle:
Antoine Griezmann against Cristiano Ronaldo
In the final match, all eyes will be on the biggest stars of these national teams. Although Griezmann was not highlighted as the main player of the French national team before the championship, his seven goals, five of which were scored in the knockout stages, have caught everyone's attention. In the semifinal against the Germans, Griezmann shone and scored both of the team's goals, and a similar performance from him will be expected by the French fans in the final. Just 43 days ago, the Frenchman lost to Atletico in the Champions League final against Real, represented by two Portuguese players, so Griezmann, hungry for victories in this match, surely does not intend to lose again to Ronaldo's team.
In the semifinal, Cristiano Ronaldo also contributed to both goals scored. One was scored by the Portuguese himself, and the other was scored when Nani corrected his shot, providing a goal contribution to the Real player. After the goal in the semifinal, Ronaldo equaled Michel Platini on the list of all-time most productive players in the European Championship. Ronaldo already knows what it means to play in the European Championship final - in 2004, the home team failed to defeat Greece, and in that match, the then 19-year-old Ronaldo played all 90 minutes. Now the footballer is twelve years older and determined to do everything to change that unpleasant history.
Predicted lineups:
France: Lloris; Sagna, Koscielny, Umtiti, Evra; Pogba, Matuidi; Sissoko, Griezmann, Payet; Giroud.
Portugal: Rui Patrício; Cédric, Pepe, Fonte, Guerreiro; William Carvalho, Adrien, João Mário, Sanches; Nani, Ronaldo.
Experts' predictions:
Reymundas Tomayo ("Yibada"): "In this match, the French national team will have the support of the audience, which could be their advantage, but they should not underestimate their opponents. Offensive stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Antoine Griezmann have already met in the Champions League final, and then the victory was celebrated by the Portuguese. Like then, in this match, they will be the key players whom the teams' defenses will have to watch out for. Although Deschamps' players have more high-level players and play better defensively, Portugal has Cristiano Ronaldo, which was always a significant factor in this championship. France 1 - 2 Portugal."
Paul Merson ("Sky Sports"): "Predicting this match is very difficult! It will be a very intense match, which could go into extra time or even penalties.
This will be the first time in the entire championship that Portugal's opponents will try to control the ball. Throughout the championship, teams just withdrew and played defensive football, even the Croats did that. The French team, backed by the fans, will have to try to attack Fernando Santos' players, which could leave spaces for Cristiano Ronaldo's side.
These matches will determine the title holders, adding additional pressure to both teams, and I believe that in this match, either team could secure a win earlier. In the finals, your key players need to show up, so Portugal will look to Ronaldo, while France hopes that Antoine Griezmann, shining in this championship, will once again delight the hosts' fans.
Before the tournament, I said that the winners would be the French, but I don't think everything will be clear quickly. The match could extend, and the Portuguese could win after a penalty shootout. France 1 - 1 Portugal. Portugal will win after a penalty shootout."
Jason Le Miere ("IB Times"): "Both coaches will have to make a crucial choice. The Portuguese national team will decide whether to bring back William Carvalho or leave Danilo, who looked good against Wales. Then it will also be important how prepared Pepe will be for these matches. However, the dilemma that could determine the fate of this final will be in Deschamps' hands. In the semifinals, he left the 4-4-2 formation, which worked great against Iceland, but in the semifinals, the French team allowed the Germans to dominate in the first part of the match. If he chooses the same system and players again, it could give freedom to Portugal's three attacking players.
No one doubts that the French national team will attack more, and they have more talented players in their team. A quick French goal would likely mean victory for the hosts. However, the longer the match goes without goals, the better it will be for the Portuguese national team. One magical moment from Cristiano Ronaldo can determine the victory of the favorites, but I believe that in these matches it is smart to wait for the French to finish their work. France 1 - 0 Portugal."
