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The second quarter-final of Euro 2024 is another blockbuster tie pitting 2018 World Cup winners France against 2016 European champions Portugal.
Didier Deschamps’ men managed to reach the last eight without conceding a single goal in open play. Two own goals and a Kylian Mbappe penalty were enough to get them through Test matches against Austria, the Netherlands, Poland and Belgium. While their narrow win over Belgium in the last-16 lacked quality and excitement, the French are reeling from several missed chances and credit to Mbappe rediscovering his form from a broken nose.
In comparison, Portugal had to come through a penalty shootout to beat Slovenia in the round of 16. Roberto Martinez’s side struggled to make an opening in their first knockout match with Cristiano Ronaldo.
The match could be a battle of the generations with Mbappe taking on Ronaldo, but both sides know improvements are needed if they hope to get the job done tonight.
Follow all the action from Portugal v France on our live blog below:
Extra time: Portugal 0-0 France
Conceicao cuts a wonderful ball to the back post and Vidinha flies unmarked but he crashes his header into the side netting!
Chris Wilson5 July 2024 22:17
Extra time: Portugal 0-0 France
Counte made one last challenge on Mendes. Lots of Portugal possession, but no chances to show it early on.
Chris Wilson5 July 2024 22:16
Extra time: Portugal 0-0 France
That replacement is confirmed, and Leo comes to Joao Felix.
Chris Wilson5 July 2024 22:14
Extra time: Portugal 0-0 France
It’s hard to convey the feeling and context, but it feels like it’s going towards punishment.
Looks like Mbappe is coming for Bradley Barkola. This is the best way to express the above.
Chris Wilson5 July 2024 22:13
Extra time: Portugal 0-0 France
Beats off two clever challenges by Mendes and sweeps wide for Conceicao. Tries to cut off and roll towards goal but to no avail.
Michael Oliver blew his whistle to close out the first period of overtime.
Chris Wilson5 July 2024 22:10
Extra time: Portugal 0-0 France
Closer! Portugal work a good chance and suddenly have a chance, the ball bounces around the box and eventually goes to Leo, but a French shirt dives on the way to block!
Chris Wilson5 July 2024 22:08
Extra time: Portugal 0-0 France
Both teams feel each other. It’s more like the opening five minutes of a game than the 100th minute.
If you ask them now they both seem fine.
Chris Wilson5 July 2024 22:06
Extra time: Portugal 0-0 France
More varied this time, but Portugal have had the lion’s share of possession.
Chris Wilson5 July 2024 22:05
Extra time: Portugal 0-0 France
Portugal have all the ball this time and France have to sit back.
They see a chance to counter as Dembele does well to avoid two challenges and head towards the box, but instead of firing he puts it away to Mbappe and the shot is eventually blocked by Pepe.
A sign that France are suffering from the same ‘send to the best player’ affliction that plagues Portugal.
Chris Wilson5 July 2024 22:02
