Portugal vs France
Portugal vs France takes place on June 23 in Budapest as Group F winds to a close. Portugal are assured of a place in the knockout stages if they can win this game while a draw is enough to secure France’s place in the final 16. Read on for more analysis, match predictions and betting tips.
Form
When Cristiano Ronaldo scored his third goal of these finals to put Portugal into 1-0 lead against Germany he and his team must have been fairly confident that they were going to breeze through what many have identified as the “Group of Death”. However, by half time own goals from Ruben Dias and Raphael Guerreiro had put Germany into a 2-1 lead and further defensive lapses in the second half ensured that they lost by a hefty 4-2. Now Fernando Santos’ side have to get a win against pre-tournament favourites France or they’re relying on other results to be favourable; in two games against the French in 2020 they failed to win either.
France were very nearly shocked in Hungary with the Magyars taking a lead in first half injury time. Although Antoine Griezmann managed to get an equaliser, Didier Deschamps’ team couldn’t get the winner to ensure qualification after two games. A draw will be enough for France to qualify but they will feel that they should be in a much better position. However, France haven’t lost a competitive game since June 2019 and the goal conceded to Hungary was the first in five games.
Injuries
Sporting left-back Nuno Mendes and Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix both missed the 4-2 defeat to Germany due to muscle injuries and there are questions over whether either player will be fit for this game. Both injuries are blamed on over-exertion and rest will be needed for both of them to be able to take part in any further games for Portugal.
Ousmane Dembele limped off in the game against Hungary having only come on as a 57th minute sub and will be a doubt for this game. The Barcelona forward took a whack to his tendon at the back of his knee and France boss Didier Deschamps has confirmed that medical staff will need to take a closer look to determine how long Dembele may miss.
Match Predictions
France come into this game as favourites, although the 2.25 being offered against them winning shows that this game is seen as a close one. This is confirmed by “No” being favourite in the BTTS market at around 1.80, while under 2.5 goals is only at 1.60. France have been miserly in defence but they will be up against one of the best strikers in Europe in Cristiano Ronaldo; a player who is still clearly bang in form despite his advanced age - and at 6.00 to be first goalscorer that might be the among the best value betting tips for this game.
