Portugal and France both managed to advance to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 and are now set to clash in a crucial match in Hamburg with a spot in the semi-finals at stake.
France are still aiming for success in Germany but there is room for improvement for the World Cup runners-up, as they have reached this stage thanks to two own-goals and a penalty.
On the other hand, Portugal survived a tough challenge in the round of 16 against resilient Slovenia, taking the match all the way to penalties. They have already demonstrated their potential as contenders for the tournament by finishing first in Group F.
Team news
Portugal will assess the fitness of their key players after the demanding 120 minutes against Slovenia. There are concerns about veteran defender Pepe, aged 41, being able to play another significant match so soon, especially against Kylian Mbappe.
If Roberto Martinez decides to rotate his defensive lineup, Goncalo Inacio could be considered, while Nelson Semedo might also be a choice.
On the other hand, it is anticipated that key players Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, and Cristiano Ronaldo will maintain their positions.
France will be missing Adrien Rabiot due to suspension, so Eduardo Camavinga is expected to be in the starting eleven.
Despite their struggles in attack in the tournament so far, boss Deschamps is likely to stick with the same lineup.
Mbappe will continue to wear a protective mask following his broken nose in the first group match against Austria.
The stats
This match is a repeat of the Euro 2016 final held in Paris, which Portugal won 1-0.
Although Mbappe has only scored one goal in the tournament, a penalty against Poland, he has had 15 attempts in his four games, with only Ronaldo (20) having more shots than him in Germany so far.
France has been dominant in this fixture, winning 19 of their previous encounters. Portugal has defeated France only six times in history, with three draws between the teams.
Portugal's unexpected 2-0 loss to Georgia in the final group stage match is their sole defeat in their last five games.
France enters this match on a seven-match unbeaten streak, winning four and drawing three of those games.
Prediction
France has yet to demonstrate their full potential in Germany, but Deschamps' team has secured a spot in the quarter-finals and can start to envision reclaiming the title of European champions.
Their performances so far have lacked flair and creativity, with Mbappe facing challenges due to his nose injury, resulting in the need to wear a protective mask in the last two matches.
However, a squad featuring talents like Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann, and N'Golo Kante should elevate their game in a tournament of this scale sooner rather than later.
Portugal is expected to provide a tough challenge, with Ronaldo appearing determined to lead his team to victory as they aim to replicate their historic triumph over Les Bleus in the final of this competition eight years ago.
Anticipate another closely contested match in Hamburg between two nations accustomed to facing each other in significant moments. The lineups will feature top talents, with potential match-winners across the field.
Both teams will show mutual respect, and in light of the high stakes, a cautious, strategic battle is likely to unfold.
France is expected to ultimately advance, although it might require extra time or even a penalty shootout for them to secure the victory.