Build Up

Portugal and will be looking to bounce back after their previous shambolic display against Germany, as they play against France in their next match. Although France have a slight advantage with the fact that they are sitting top of the table with 4 points, that might be their driving factor. Portugal on the other hand might still qualify if they can manage to draw or win against France. Both teams are desperate for a win. The big question who is going to come out victorious despite their lacklustre form. Portugal will be reliant on the greatest player of all time to rescue them. He has been on fire against various oppositions, only to be drawn back by his teammate under-par performance.

A win for Portugal will boost their quest to claim the title consecutively as they will be looking to qualify for the next round without being the best third place. France too is a very strong side with gigantic individual talent, the previous World Cup winner has a point to prove for their French fans and to uphold their pride. They (France) will finish as the group leader once they oversee Portugal or settle for a draw and finish Second place. Meanwhile, Portugal need a win to qualify as a draw will make them the best third place only if Germany wins against Hungary.

Team News- Portugal

Portugal’s squad are fully fit and good to go only with the exemption of Joao Cancelo who caught COVID-19 earlier on before the beginning of the tournament. Is he the missing piece to the puzzle as Nelson Semedo was exploited against Germany? Portugal will have to field a very strong lineup. They might probably drop few players to be able to win against France.

Possible Line-up: Rui Patricio, Raphael Guerreiro, Ruben Dias, Pepe, Nelson Semedo, William Carvalho, Renato Sanches, Bruno Fernandes, Rafa Silva, Diogo Jota, Cristiano Ronaldo (4-3-3)

Team News France

Didier Deschamps’s side will be looking for a win after their horrific draw against Hungary. Although, Ousmane Dembele remains the only player who reported injured. One big question remained unanswered though, is France an Individualistic team without a leader? We will find out soon enough.

Possible Line-up: Hugo Lloris, Benjamin Parvard, Raphael Varane, Presnel Kimpembe, Lucas Digne, Adrien Rabiot, N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema, Antoine Griezmann (4-3-3)

Predicted Score

Portugal will be looking to bounce back from their dismal display against the German side. Definitely, they must have learned their lesson and looking to scale pass through France. France on the other hand are unbeaten in this tournament so far. And they will be looking to guard their pride as the previous World Champion. Although, Portugal has the greatest asset of which is the greatest player of all time in Cristiano Ronaldo.

My prediction is Portugal to win 2-1.