Paul Pogba, Antonie Griezmann, Dimitri Payet, Oliver Groud & Co will walk unto the green turf at Stade de France tonight to emulate past French heroes who won the European Championship on home soil in 1984 and 2000 as they face a trophy-thirsty Christiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in search of its first title in a major tournament.
Twelve years ago, Portugal had a golden opportunity, as hosts, to win a trophy, but they allowed a less talented Greece side to frustrate them out of their goal.
Against a French team, packed with talents, and playing marvelously, it is hard to imagine what chances the Portuguese have tonight. After the 5-2 and 2-0 victories against Iceland and Germany respectively, France is certainly on fire and it is unlikely that Portugal can quench that fire now. Bearing in mind that the 2-0 against Wales was their first win within 90 minutes in this year’s tournament.
But in football, it would be foolish to say that Portugal has no chance to cause an upset and send the French nation into depression. Portugal, so far, have not sparkled, but have not been dismantled either. In the knockout phase they have only allowed eight shots at their goal in 330 minutes. Which goes to suggest that they could be able to frustrate the French like Greece did to them in 2004.
If you look at the performance, you come to the conclusion that it is not the same Christiano Ronaldo that plays for Real Madrid that is playing for Portugal. But it is. The truth is that he rarely reaches that level for his country. If Portugal should have any chance, he has to be at his best as he aims to break Mitchel Platini’s record of nine championship goals (but it must be pointed out that Platini scored all his goals in one tournament as against Ronaldo goals in five tournaments).
If Portugal decides to sit deep, it then means that they cannot make good use of Ronaldo who likes to be upfront causing trouble for defenders. It would be silly for the Portuguese to defend all game.
The drafting of Atletico Madrid’s Griezmann into the central striker has ultimately transformed the French team. And with about six dangerous players having the ability to score from anything, Portugal would be in trouble if they chose that option.
In terms of quality, France against Germany has been the best game of this year’s competition. It was the final before the actual final. It is doubtful if today’s game would live up to that standard. However, an early goal will definitely spark it into life.
Can Portugal reproduce the upset of 1975 when they defeated France 2-0 in Paris? This is doubtful because ever since that loss, France have won all ten games against Portugal. This might suggest that if Portugal is looking for redemption tonight for that loss at home to Greece, they might as well forget it.
Coach Didier Deschamps have made important decisions and changes that have helped his side get better. Griezmann for example was dropped from the starting eleven after the opening game but the hopes of the nation now lies is his lethal boots as he leads the France attack. With six goals so far, he looks guaranteed the golden boot.
Deschamp said that France reaching the final of Euro 2016 has helped to bring back a feelgood factor in the country, where 130 people were killed in November in terror attacks across Paris. “We don’t have the power to solve the French people’s problems but we can ease their worries,” he said.
“The players are well aware of that power, and what they can give to the French people by wearing these colours. When you see the passion, inside and outside the stadium, this team has everything it takes to be loved, the players are performing well on the pitch and I am proud.”
How time flies, Deschamp was a member of the 2000 victorious team. Now he finds himself as coach and on the threshold of winning the European Championship as a player and as coach.
Yes Portugal are unbeaten in 13 competitive matches under coach Fernando Santos, who is expected to welcome back Real Madrid defender, Pepe into the starting XI after injury. Whatever that means, Portugal will need plenty of luck to subdue Les Blues.
The Euro finals do not always follow the script, however hosts France, playing before an expectant, vociferous home crowd are favourites to win the Henri Delaunay trophy.
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