The European Championship quarter-finals are set to feature a thrilling clash between France and Portugal, two of the tournament's top nations. The match, which will be held in Hamburg, promises to be a high-stakes encounter with superstars Kylian Mbappé and Cristiano Ronaldo facing off.
France and Portugal have both had challenging paths to the quarter-finals. France, despite a lackluster group stage, managed to secure a narrow 1-0 victory over Belgium in the round of 16. The team has only scored three goals in four games, including two own goals and a penalty from Mbappé. Coach Didier Deschamps has emphasized the importance of defensive solidity and the collective strength of the team.
Portugal, on the other hand, had a dramatic round of 16 match against Slovenia, which they won in a penalty shootout. Cristiano Ronaldo, who has yet to score in this tournament, missed a crucial penalty in extra time and was visibly emotional. The Portuguese team will need to improve their overall performance to stand a chance against France.
The match not only serves as a quarter-final showdown but also a potential last European Championship appearance for the 39-year-old Ronaldo. Mbappé, who has expressed admiration for Ronaldo, hopes to outshine his idol and lead France to victory.
Hamburg, the host city, has been relatively quiet during the break between the eighth and quarterfinals. However, the city is known for its vibrant culture and liberal atmosphere, making it a fitting venue for such a significant match. The local football culture is also strong, with clubs like Hamburg SV and St. Pauli playing important roles in the city's sports scene.
As fans and players prepare for the quarter-final, the tension is palpable on both sides. The outcome of this match will determine who advances to face either Germany or Spain in the semi-finals. Both France and Portugal will need to bring their best performance to secure a spot in the next round.
- The European Championship quarter-finals will see France face Portugal. Which of the two top nations will secure a place in the semi-finals? The game here in the live ticker?
- France – Portugal 0:0 (0:0), Friday, 9 p.m.
- Ronaldo vs Mbappé : Which star striker will advance to the European Championship semi-finals?
- This live ticker is continuously updated
- Hamburg – It is the second absolute top match on the first quarter-final day of the European Championship in Germany: After Germany and Spain face each other at 6 p.m. (here in the live ticker), vice world champions France and Portugal will meet from 9 p.m.
- It is not only a clash between two of the favourites for the European Championship title, but also a duel between super strikers Kylian Mbappé and Cristiano Ronaldo. If the 39-year-old Portuguese player is eliminated, it would probably be his last European Championship game.
- France vs Portugal in the live ticker: Cristiano Ronaldo’s last European Championship appearance?
- Ronaldo already had a tearful evening in the round of 16. Portugal secured a place in the best 16 in a penalty shootout against Slovenia, but Ronaldo missed a penalty in extra time and burst into tears during the game. The five-time world footballer is still without a goal at this European Championship - that should change against France.
- 'He is unique. There is only one Cristiano Ronaldo and there will always be only one Cristiano Ronaldo. I just hope that he won't be so happy tomorrow,' said Mbappé about his childhood idol. Against the Équipe Tricolore, however, not only a strong Ronaldo is needed, but also an overall better team performance from the Portuguese than the last time against Slovenia and in the previous defeat against Georgia (0:2).
- Focus on Mbappé: France needs to improve performance against Portugal
- The French have also not been able to impress during the European Championships. After a weak group phase, they narrowly beat Belgium 1-0 in the round of 16. In four games, the team, which features Mbappé and several other attacking stars, only managed three goals, including two own goals and a penalty from Mbappé.
- Just like Ronaldo and Portugal, Mbappe and the French will need to improve their performance in the quarter-finals. For both nations, it is the toughest test of the tournament so far - and also a repeat of the 2016 European Championship final, which Portugal narrowly won 1-0 after extra time.
- Either way, one thing is certain: either Ronaldo or Mbappé – one superstar has to return home. The other will face Germany or Spain in the semi-finals. (LuHa)
