France as soon as once more failed to supply up their finest throughout their 1-0 last-16 win over Belgium, however they only about did sufficient to achieve the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
Whereas they had been significantly stronger than a disappointing Belgium outfit, it wasn’t till the eighty fifth minute that France took the lead. Substitute Randal Kolo Muani fired at objective with a sizeable deflection off defender Jan Vertonghen serving to Les Bleus into the final eight.
That is the place they’ll meet Portugal in a repeat of the Euro 2016 last. Revenge and a spot within the semis is up for grabs for Didier Deschamps’ aspect, who’re nonetheless struggling to hit their potential. They’ve managed simply three targets in Germany – two personal targets and a Kylian Mbappe penalty – however are additionally but to concede from open play.
Right here is how Deschamps may line his France aspect up for his or her mammoth Euro 2024 quarter-final conflict with Portugal.
GK: Mike Maignan – With a save proportion of 92.3% and three clear sheets to his identify, Maignan is having a superb match. Even the objective he conceded was a penalty, which he had initially saved from Robert Lewandowski regardless of straying from his line.
RB: Jules Kounde – The Barcelona defender has been flawless at Euro 2024 however faces an almighty check on Friday. With Nuno Mendes and Rafael Leao bombing down his flank, he’ll have to be on the prime of his sport.
CB: Dayot Upamecano – Bar gifting Poland a penalty, the much-maligned Upamecano has justified Deschamps’ religion in him. He will likely be hoping to face the misfiring Cristiano Ronaldo on Friday.
CB: William Saliba – Usually elegant in Germany, Saliba has been an infinite contributor in every of France’s three clear sheets. On the ball, there are few higher defenders on the match.
LB: Theo Hernandez – If it wasn’t for his sensational last-ditch sort out in opposition to Belgium, France could not have reached the quarter-finals. The Milan star is exhibiting he can steadiness assault and defence successfully regardless of being extra influential additional up the sphere.
CM: N’Golo Kante – France’s backline has been impeccable, but it surely certain helps when you’ve gotten Kante in entrance of you. The 33-year-old has been as energetic and environment friendly as ever.
CM: Aurelien Tchouameni – Having been eased into the squad at Euro 2024, Tchouameni seems to be nailed-on to begin in opposition to Portugal. Enjoying deeper than his midfield teammates, he will likely be accountable for stifling Bruno Fernandes.
CM: Antoine Griezmann – The absence of Adrien Rabiot via suspension will not be ideally suited, however Les Bleus have loads of choices to interchange the free agent. Antoine Griezmann would have began regardless, however could function in a deeper position.
RW: Ousmane Dembele – Dropped to the bench in opposition to Belgium as France barely altered their form, Dembele needs to be recent for the conflict with Portugal. Ought to he begin on the appropriate flank, he’ll get pleasure from a speedy battle with Paris Saint-Germain teammate Nuno Mendes.
ST: Randal Kolo Muani – The lanky striker proved a difference-maker from the bench final outing. He pressured Vertonghen’s personal objective with some neat play and supplied a focus up prime, probably transferring forward of the underwhelming Marcus Thuram within the pecking order.
LW: Kylian Mbappe – The masked Actual Madrid ahead moved to the left wing in opposition to Belgium and will function out extensive once more in opposition to Portugal. Mbappe may torture the attack-minded Joao Cancelo this Friday.
