The highly anticipated Portugal National Football Team vs France National Football Team Lineups clash at UEFA Euro 2024 lived up to its expectations, showcasing two of Europe’s strongest footballing nations. Both teams have a rich history in the tournament, and their lineups for this quarter-final match were carefully crafted by their respective managers. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the lineups, tactical approaches, and match expectations for this thrilling encounter.
Portugal National Football Team Lineup (4-2-3-1 Formation)
Portugal, under the leadership of Roberto Martínez, went into the match against France with an unchanged lineup from their penalty shootout victory over Slovenia in the Round of 16. The stability of the team was key to their approach, with the coach relying on experience and fluid attacking transitions.
Starting XI for Portugal:
| Position | Player | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Diogo Costa | Reliable shot-stopper, great reflexes and distribution. |
| Right Back | João Cancelo | Pacey, strong in attacking overlaps, key to counter-attacks. |
| Centre Back | Rúben Dias | A rock in central defense, excellent aerial presence. |
| Centre Back | Pepe | Veteran defender, immense leadership and tactical awareness. |
| Left Back | Nuno Mendes | Speed and versatility on the left flank. |
| CDM | João Palhinha | Defensive anchor, breaks up attacks and covers ground. |
| Central Midfield | Vitinha | Technical ability to control the tempo of the game. |
| Central Midfield | Bruno Fernandes | Creative midfielder, key in linking attack and defense. |
| Right Wing | Bernardo Silva | Dynamic, skillful, and contributes both in attack and defense. |
| Left Wing | Rafael Leão | Pacy winger, loves to cut inside and shoot. |
| Striker | Cristiano Ronaldo | Team’s focal point, looking to make history as the oldest scorer in Euro history. |
Portugal’s Tactics:
Portugal focused on maintaining possession and dominating the midfield. The midfield trio of Bruno Fernandes, João Palhinha, and Vitinha provided balance by controlling the ball and setting the pace. Cristiano Ronaldo, despite being 39, remained the focal point of their attack, looking to add to his illustrious international career.
Portugal also relied on the wide attacking options provided by Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leão, who would exploit any spaces left by France’s defense. The fullbacks, João Cancelo and Nuno Mendes, were essential in offering width and contributing to the counter-attacks when France advanced.
France National Football Team Lineup (4-3-1-2 Formation)
France, managed by Didier Deschamps, made a couple of significant changes in their lineup due to tactical adjustments. Adrien Rabiot, one of their key midfielders, was suspended, and in his place, Eduardo Camavinga stepped in. Additionally, the attack was strengthened by the inclusion of Randal Kolo Muani, who added physicality and pace alongside Kylian Mbappé.
Starting XI for France:
| Position | Player | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Mike Maignan | Solid, dependable, and great at shot-stopping. |
| Right Back | Jules Koundé | Aggressive, good in the air and overlaps on the wing. |
| Centre Back | Dayot Upamecano | Strong, dominant in duels, good in one-on-one situations. |
| Centre Back | William Saliba | Quick, composed under pressure, excels in distribution. |
| Left Back | Théo Hernandez | Very offensive, great at creating width and supporting attacks. |
| Central Midfield | N’Golo Kanté | Tireless runner, provides defensive cover and passes with precision. |
| Central Midfield | Aurélien Tchouaméni | Strong ball-winner, protects the defense and initiates attacks. |
| Central Midfield | Eduardo Camavinga | Versatile, dynamic, capable of defending and creating. |
| Attacking Midfield | Antoine Griezmann | Creative playmaker, always involved in the final third. |
| Striker | Randal Kolo Muani | Strong, direct, and powerful; a key attacking option. |
| Striker | Kylian Mbappé | Fast, skilled, capable of creating and scoring goals in tight spaces. |
France’s Tactics:
France utilized a 4-3-1-2 formation, which provided flexibility in both attacking and defending. With Griezmann in the central role, the French team aimed to control the midfield and dictate the tempo. N’Golo Kanté and Aurélien Tchouaméni were the engine of the midfield, providing both defensive solidity and offensive support. Kylian Mbappé and Randal Kolo Muani formed a strong attacking duo, providing pace and power.
The French team used a high pressing strategy, aiming to win the ball back early and exploit Portugal’s defense with quick counter-attacks. Théo Hernandez and Jules Koundé made overlapping runs, delivering quality crosses into the box for Kolo Muani and Mbappé, while Maignan stood as the last line of defense.
Tactical Battle: Portugal vs France
| Tactical Aspect | Portugal | France |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | Focused on controlling the ball with the midfielders | High pressing to disrupt build-up play |
| Attack | Wide play with Leão and Silva, Ronaldo as the focal point | Quick counters through Mbappé and Kolo Muani |
| Midfield Control | Fernandes and Palhinha controlling tempo | Kanté and Tchouaméni providing stability |
| Defense | Compact defensive shape with Pepe and Dias | High defensive line with aggressive fullbacks |
Key Moments in Portugal vs France Match
Despite a goalless draw through both regular and extra time, the match highlighted moments of brilliance from both teams. Portugal’s defensive resilience, led by Pepe and Rúben Dias, kept Mbappé and Kolo Muani at bay for most of the match. However, France’s pressing and Griezmann’s creativity ensured they stayed in the game.
In the penalty shootout, France triumphed 5-3, with João Félix missing his spot-kick, sealing Portugal’s exit and France’s progression to the semifinals of Euro 2024.
Conclusion: Portugal National Football Team vs France National Football Team Lineups
The Portugal National Football Team vs France National Football Team Lineups match was a tactical battle filled with moments of individual brilliance and collective effort. Both teams fielded strong lineups, with Portugal’s possession-based game contrasting with France’s high-pressing strategy. In the end, France’s clinical penalty-taking sent them through to the semifinals, but both teams demonstrated why they are considered two of Europe’s most successful footballing nations.
As we look ahead, the Portugal national football team vs France national football team encounter at Euro 2024 remains one of the most memorable games of the tournament. The lineup choices, tactical setups, and final result highlight the intense competition at the highest level of European football.