France, Portugal in final showdown

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Football Soccer - Germany v France - EURO 2016 - Semi Final - Stade Velodrome, Marseille, France - 7/7/16 France's Antoine Griezmann celebrates with team mates after scoring their first goal REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach Livepic - RTX2K80H
  • Post published:July 8, 2016

Portugal and host nation France will showcase an enthralling Euro 2016 final on Sunday as Portugal seek their maiden crown, while France seek their third. 

France progressed to the final following a 2-0 victory over World Champions Germany.

It was Les Blues’ clinical finishing that set them apart from the Germans as the French were forced to defend desperately for much of the second-half.

Portugal, meanwhile, qualified for the final by virtue of a 2-0 victory over Wales. The win was the Portuguese’s first in regulation time for the entire tournament, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Co proving tough to beat if not scintillating in attack.

France will have a psychological edge over their rivals given the head-to-head history of the matchup, with France having won 18 times compared to Portugal’s five. Only once have the sides ever drawn.

The sides last faced off in a friendly fixture less than a year ago with Les Blues prevailing by a 1-0 scoreline on that occasion.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos believes his side’s run in the tournament testifies as his greatest achievement in coaching.

‘My first game at the helm of the team was two years ago, and our goal was to reach here [the final],’ Santos said. ‘Thankfully everything worked out for us. We are stronger, more solid, more united,’ he told Marca.

‘The final will be the highest point in my career so far,’ the 61-year-old confirmed. ‘It’s about my country, my flag, my fatherland, my friends, and my family. From a personal point of view it’s very important,’ he concluded.

Meanwhile, France coach Didier Deschamps has credited his team’s resolve.

‘I’m delighted for the players, it was a very tough game against a team who made us suffer but we suffered together,’ he told ESPN.

‘When you see the passion and the fervour in the stands around the ground… This team has everything it takes to be loved. It’s a great emotion — we had to suffer but never gave up and that’s great for me,’ he concluded.

The final will be played at the Stade de France, Saint Dennis.

Kick-off is at 21:00.

Probable line-ups: 

France:  Hugo Lloris, Bacary Sagna, Adil Rami, Laurent Koscielny, Patrice Evra, Blaise Matuidi, N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann, Oliver Giroud, Dimitri Payet.

Portugal: Rui Patricio, Cedric, Pepe, Jose Fonte, Raphael Guerreiro, William Carvalho, Joao Mario, Renato Sanches, Rafa Silva, Nani, Cristiano Ronaldo.