Euro 2016 - France are the overwhelming favourites, but don't write off Portugal

The stats are not in favour of Portugal against France. The French beat them in a nerve-jangling  affair during the Euro of 1984 and 2000 and six years later, yet another Zinedine Zidane – who scored the golden goal from the penalty spot in the Euro 2000 semifinal - goal from the penalty spot dashed the dreams of the Portuguese. Meanwhile, in the last ten matches, Portugal have not been able to defeat France, while, at Stade de France,  the record of the hosts is brilliant.

France  have played 80 games at the Stade de France where they won 50 matches, drew 20 and lost just 10 including that eventful World Cup final in 1998. Stade de France is like a fort for the French and Portugal would have to defeat the history and statistical records to create history.

Again, Portugal’s record in a major tournament has hardly been satisfactory. Their golden generation in 1966, 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006 failed to live up to the expectations and the memories of the final of Euro 2004 are still fresh in my mind where they were left stunned by Greece.

This Portugal team is nowhere near the teams of golden generation and their advancement so far has hit the nails on the heads of the experts who had written off Cistiano Ronaldo and his men at the start of the tournament. Even last month, none were ready to bet on Portugal, but at the end of the day, like the Italy of World Cup 1982, they were gearing up to play the finals of Euro 2016.

This time around, the pressure  of expectations will be on France being the host nation. And why not? They might not have the charisma and flair of Michel Platini and Zinezine Zidane’s France, but so far, they have been better than the four semifinalists. Be it on the defence or midfield or forward positions, the French are a complete package and surely, they are expected to lift the trophy and maintain their astonishing record against Portugal and in home tournaments.

But can we write off Portugal too early? I am not ready to write them off. Antoine Griezmann and co would have to counter a very ragged and organized Portuguese defence. There have been discussions about the young sensation Renato Sanches, the form of Nani and the ups-and-downs of CR7, but one cannot deny how solid Portugal have been at the back, which gave their midfielders and forwards to run for the counter attack whenever there is an opportunity.

Despite being forced into extra-time against both Croatia and Poland, Portugal have faced just eight shots in the knockout stages in 330 minutes of action – and they have conceded just once. Defenders like Pepe know very well how to shut down Griezmann and in the midfield an intriguing battle between Paul Pogba and Sanches is expected to take place tomorrow.

Portugal need to cut off the passes between Mataudi and Pogba and engage a ball winner rather than shutting down like a Zito or Dunga. A ball winner like Paulo Roberto Falcao keeps the momentum going towards you and initiate a counter attack. Portugal cannot afford to sit back deep all the time and thus, enough mobility is needed in the midfield and that’s I suggested of a ball-winner who can afford passes after winning the ball.

Above all, CR7 needs to play a vital role rather than getting vanished when his team needs him the most.

He needs to be at the top of his game to script a heart break for France.

It will be a tough task, but not impossible.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar