Prediction and odds for the game: Portugal (14/5) vs France (5/4)
We are backing the France win
When: Wednesday, 23rd June 2021, Kick-off 20:00
Where: The Puskas Arena
On Wednesday night, Portugal and France clash at the Puskas Arena in a potentially crucial game in Group F, with the European champions still needing something from the game to guarantee a place in the last-16 of the competition.
Portugal
Fernando Santos’ talented team were heavily fancied by many to retain their crown as European champions. However, a 4-2 defeat by Germany last time out means that the Selecao still need to pick something up from this game to ensure they feature in the knockout stages of the competition.
An opening game 3-0 victory over Hungary put Portugal in a strong position to qualify for the last-16, but the defeat last time out leaves Portugal in a precarious position, as a defeat could well see them eliminated from the competition. In the unlikely event that Hungary beat Germany and the Selecao lose, then depending on goal difference they could finish bottom of the group.
The loss against Germany ended a seven-game unbeaten run for the European champions. They will be desperate to book their place in the last-16 of the competition. If star forward Cristiano Ronaldo is on form they always have a chance, as the 36-year-old has already netted three goals in the two group games so far.
Rafa Silva, Joao Moutinho and Renato Sanches could well come into the team after the Selecao’s poor display against Die Mannschaft.
France
The world champions have endured mixed fortunes so far at Euro 2020. They opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Germany but then produced an underwhelming display to draw 1-1 with Hungary in their last outing. The draw was enough to have Les Bleus move to the top of the group and qualify Didier Deschamps for the knockout stages of the competition.
The draw against Hungary was a surprise result, but it means that France are now nine international matches unbeaten, having recorded seven victories. A big factor in Les Bleus recent decent results is that they have now conceded just one goal in their last six matches.
France are now unbeaten in 90 minutes at the European Championships in nine games, having recorded six wins in the process. However, they did suffer an extra-time defeat against Saturday’s opponents on home soil in the final of Euro 2016.
Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele looks set to miss out through a knee injury picked up against Hungary. Lucas Hernandez could replace Everton’s Lucas Digne at left-back.
Conclusion
These two teams were amongst the favourites to win Euro 2020. However, both have experienced mixed fortunes so far during the competition. Portugal looked highly vulnerable against Germany and we feel France have the attacking quality to record a win. The other bet we recommend is over 2.5 goals scored, as both teams have explosive attacking options.
Verdict: We are backing France to win at odds of 5/4 and/or over 2.5 goals scored at odds of 13/10. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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Who will come out on top between these two top teams?
