Support sincerely
Free Press
Our mission is to provide unbiased, fact-based reporting that is accountable and exposes the truth.
Whether it’s $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Please support us to deliver magazine without agenda.
The second quarter-final of Euro 2024 is another blockbuster tie pitting 2018 World Cup winners France against 2016 European champions Portugal.
Didier Deschamps’ men managed to reach the last eight without conceding a single goal in open play. Two own goals and a Kylian Mbappe penalty were enough to get them through Test matches against Austria, the Netherlands, Poland and Belgium. Their narrow win over Belgium in the last-16 lacked quality and excitement, although the French were heartbroken from several missed chances and it’s true that Mbappe has rediscovered his form from a broken nose.
In comparison, Portugal had to come through a penalty shootout to beat Slovenia in the round of 16. Roberto Martinez’s side struggled to make an opening in their first knockout match with Cristiano Ronaldo.
With Mbappe taking on Ronaldo this match will be a battle of the generations, but both sides know improvements are needed if they hope to get the job done tonight.
Follow all the action from Portugal v France on our live blog below:
Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 France
One of the things that isolated Ronaldo against Saliba was that, at 39, he never won that battle, and after Fernandez took a ball forward to him, Saliba kept grazing it.
Chris Wilson5 July 2024 20:36
Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 France
Cancelo headed Conte’s ball. France come back and Camavinga hooks the ball to Griezmann but he can’t get it under control and Fernandez comes to clear it for a corner.
Griezmann clips the ball but Upamecano can’t get a clear connection and the chance ends after Mendes intercepts.
Chris Wilson5 July 2024 20:35
Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 France
Brilliant play from both sides, Kamavinga made a pass to feed which Mbappe sent to Kolo Mwani. Griezmann makes a great run down his right, but Muani takes it himself and he gets a shot in before Pepe brilliantly stops him and clears him.
Chris Wilson5 July 2024 20:32
Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 France
Leo finds himself up against Upamecano this time and he can’t get past him directly but he almost squeezes a cross into the post that creeps in but Mignon gathers.
Chris Wilson5 July 2024 20:30
Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 France
Great pace from Mbappe to get away from Mendes, but the attack ends with another stray ball from Kamwinga.
Chris Wilson5 July 2024 20:28
Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 France
The game still lacked a frenetic pace, but both sides had half-chances and threatened at times. Neither has dominated overall, but Portugal may have the edge so far based on their willingness to go forward.
Leo once again skins Counte down the left and his cross is slotted past Parugual’s fifth corner.
Chris Wilson5 July 2024 20:28
Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 France
Ronaldo is down for a while after the clash with Hernandez, but he will be fine.
France win a free-kick in a dangerous area on the right-hand edge of the Portugal box, but Ronaldo is there to head home Griezmann’s delivery.
Chris Wilson5 July 2024 20:25
Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 France
Mbappe burst into the box and fired a low pass across goal, but Costa did well to parry it back. France now have good possession until Camavinga floats a cross past Hernandez.
Chris Wilson5 July 2024 20:23
Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 France
Portugal’s corner was cleared and France countered well, led by Hernandez. He eventually lines up a shot from distance but Costa gets down to his left and clears it.
Chris Wilson5 July 2024 20:21
Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 France
Ronaldo dropped deep again, but it paid off, helping Portugal start the counter by playing from their own half. The ball is swung in from the left but it defies all the red shirts.
Ronaldo’s performance against Slovenia was over the top, but it was one of his best. Selekau In recent years.
Chris Wilson5 July 2024 20:20
