CRISTIANO RONALDO and Kylian Mbappe will have one last dance at the Euros TONIGHT as Portugal take on France in a mouthwatering quarter-final tie.
Ronaldo, 39, broke down in tears thinking he had cost his nation a spot in the next round when the Portuguese idol saw his 105th-minute penalty saved during their encounter against Slovenia.
However, Diego Costa’s shootout heroics fired Selecao into the last-eight having saved all three of the Slovenian spot kicks.
Earlier that day, France were locked in a tussle with Kevin de Bruyne’s Belgium.
And although it didn’t turn out to be an amazing spectacle, French phenomenon Mbappe was still relieved to see Randal Kolo Muani’s heavily deflected effort give France the win.
Neither superstar had a major impact on their respective Round of 16 matches, but they’ll be desperate to put their stamp on this upcoming mammoth clash.
Both sides have already bettered their performances at the last Euros in 2021, where they were knocked out in the last 16.
Portugal will be hoping for a change in fortunes against Les Bleus, though.
The 2016 winners have beaten their quarter-final opponents just once in their last 14 meetings, dating back to 1978 and including 11 defeats.
Roberto Martinez’s side have already lost three times in 2024, including in their final group match against Georgia.
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Meanwhile, their free-scoring attack from the start of the tournament has gone cold.
The goalless draw with Slovenia means it is now almost 250 minutes since Portugal last scored at Euro 2024.
France have also struggled in front of goal and remain without an open play goal scored by one of their players.
Their three goals in Germany consist of two own goals and an Mbappe penalty.
However, they are unbeaten in seven matches dating back to a March defeat to Germany.
Martinez goes into Friday’s match with zero suspensions or injury issues.
Fatigue could be a worry, though, after his players endured 120 minutes plus penalties on Monday night.
France will be without Adrien Rabiot after the midfielder picked up his second yellow card of the tournament against Belgium.
There are no injury concerns for Didier Deschamps but Kylian Mbappe has struggled with his face mask since breaking his nose in their opening match.
Despite Mbappe’s woes and their lack of cutting edge up front, N’Golo Kante has starred for France so far this summer.
The former Chelsea midfielder picked up the player of the match award in each of their first two matches.
Having started every game, Kante has offered vital support to a defence which has conceded just one goal so far.
His call-up for the tournament was his first inclusion by Deschamps in a squad since June 2022.
Portugal’s hero in their shootout win over Slovenia as undoubtedly Diogo Costa.
The goalkeeper saved all three spot-kicks to set his side up to win 3-0 after 120 minutes of goalless action.
Still only 24, Costa is playing at his first Euros this summer and has already kept two clean sheets.
Martinez leapt to Ronaldo’s defence after his tears against Slovenia in the previous round.
The former Belgium boss told reporters: “When you see a player, the only player to play in six Euros, with the desire and that belief [like a] young man – those emotions are incredible for someone who has won everything and experienced everything.
“He doesn’t need to care that much and that is why I thank him for the way he is. For caring for the group. For being someone who after missing a penalty was the first penalty taker [in the shootout].
“I knew for certain he had to be the first penalty taker and show us the way to the victory. We are all very, very proud of our captain.”
Meanwhile, Deschamps urged his players to “push the destiny” going forward.
He explained: “We have always got the capacity and capability to score more. I know it is a bit tricky for us since the beginning of the Euros, but we have had the chances.
“We need to push the destiny to make sure things go our way, but we don’t want it to be a psychological barrier.”
Neither side has blown their fans away so far this summer with more questions than answers remaining ahead of Friday’s last eight clash.
Portugal must figure out how best to play with Ronaldo in the team after a disjointed display against Slovenia.
France’s individual talent, though, means they are always a threat and need just a single chance to punish their opponents.
The World Cup finalists have a staggering recent record against Portugal, which suggests another victory is on the cards.
SunSport prediction – 0-1
Yes!
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Portugal manager Roberto Martinez will be tempted to make a few alterations to the starting eleven following his side’s exhausting 120-plus minutes against Slovenia.
While France boss Didier Deschamps has been forced into making a change in midfield due to Adrien Rabiot’s being suspended after picking up another yellow card.
Kylian Mbappe will continue to wear his mask.
After 90 minutes
To qualify
Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication
