France as soon as once more failed to supply up their finest throughout their 1-0 last-16 win over Belgium, however they simply about did sufficient to succeed in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
Whereas they have 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 are going to meet Portugal in a repeat of the Euro 2016 last. Revenge and a spot within the semis is up for grabs for Didier Deschamps’ facet, who’re nonetheless struggling to hit their potential. They’ve managed simply three objectives in Germany – two personal objectives and a Kylian Mbappe penalty – however are additionally but to concede from open play.
Right here is how Deschamps might line his France facet up for his or her mammoth Euro 2024 quarter-final conflict with Portugal.
GK: Mike Maignan – With a save share of 92.3% and three clear sheets to his title, Maignan is having a fantastic event. 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 must be on the high of his sport.
CB: Dayot Upamecano – Bar gifting Poland a penalty, the much-maligned Upamecano has justified Deschamps’ religion in him. He might 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 event.
LB: Theo Hernandez – If it wasn’t for his sensational last-ditch deal with towards Belgium, France might not have reached the quarter-finals. The Milan star is displaying he can stability assault and defence successfully regardless of being extra influential additional up the sphere.
CM: N’Golo Kante – France’s backline has been impeccable, however it certain helps when you have got 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 nailed-on to start out towards Portugal. Taking part in deeper than his midfield teammates, he might be chargeable for stifling Bruno Fernandes.
CM: Antoine Griezmann – The absence of Adrien Rabiot by way of suspension will not be superb, however Les Bleus have loads of choices to exchange the free agent. Antoine Griezmann would have began regardless, however might characteristic in a deeper position.
RW: Ousmane Dembele – Dropped to the bench towards Belgium as France barely altered their form, Dembele must be contemporary for the conflict with Portugal. Ought to he begin on the precise 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 trip. He pressured Vertonghen’s personal objective with some neat play and offered a focus up high, doubtlessly shifting forward of the underwhelming Marcus Thuram within the pecking order.
LW: Kylian Mbappe – The masked Actual Madrid ahead moved to the left wing towards Belgium and will function out extensive once more towards Portugal. Mbappe might torture the attack-minded Joao Cancelo this Friday.
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