Sunday Euro 2016 Portugal vs France – Final Preview
July 10, 2016 20:00pm – Stade de France, Saint-Denis
Finals
Recent Form (all comps)
Portugal: WWWDD
France: WWWDW
It may not have been a classic tournament in terms of overall quality but Euro 2016 has still produced some memorable moments. On Sunday, Portugal and France will get one last chance to put on a show as they go head-to-head for the European Championship crown.
France will be aiming to win their third major tournament on home soil, while Portugal will be hoping to win their first ever major trophy 12 years after their debut finals appearance.
Both sides have adopted very flexible tactical approaches to the tournament so far and have ended up with remarkably similar statistics. From shots on target and corners, to possession and passing accuracy, both sides come into this game very evenly-matched.
With so little to separate them, this game will come down to the small details and on that score, France just have the edge. Firstly, they have home advantage – although the huge Portuguese population in Paris should be out in force – and secondly, they have the tournament’s top scorer leading the line. Antoine Griezemann already has six goals to his name and looks all set to become the recipient of this year’s Golden Boot.
Meanwhile, Portugal will need to continue where they left off against Wales by making the most of their chances. They may get even less opportunities against France so will need to avoid the wastefulness that plagued their early games.
Both coaches may decide to stick with their successful semi-final starting line-ups, although based on their tournament policy so far, there could be at least one or two changes on either side. Fernando Santos will have to decide whether William Carvalho or Danilo gets the nod in defensive midfield, while Didier Deschamps faces the dilemma of whether to include N`Golo Kante in a front three.
Match Facts
- Portugal have reached at least the semi-final stage in four of the last five Euro finals
- Portugal were beaten finalists in 2004
- France won this event in 1984 and 2000
- Portugal have won just one game in 90 minutes at this tournament
- France have not lost to Portugal since 1975
- The winner has kept a clean sheet in the last three European Championship finals
Prediction
France have dominated head-to-head meetings between the two sides, have home advantage and possess a greater goal-scoring threat.
You can back France to lift the trophy at 4/9 with Betfair.
Antoine Griezmann can be backed at 6/4 to score anytime.
Betfair is our recommended bookmaker for all your Euro 2016 bets.