Euro 2016 final: Portugal vs France (preview)
It is a historical night in Europe as Portugal, led by three-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, face hosts France in the Euro 2016 final.
Portugal vs France
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Ronaldo and Nani got a goal each in the first semi-final to help Portugal end Wales’ adventure at the competition; that game ended 2-0.
France defeated Germany 2 – 0 as well courtesy a Griezmann brace to ensure the hosts reach the final of the competition in their backyard.
Deschamps’ side will tonight at the Stade de France look to complete a hat-trick of tournament victories on home soil, having won Euro 1984 the 1998 FIFA World Cup which they hosted.
With Griezmann once more irrepressible with two goals against Germany, they will be strong favourites to do that.
Ahead of the tournament, France were second favourites after Germany to win Euro Football 2016. That is mainly due to being hosts rather than a display of their actual form.
Portugal have not created many chances at Euro 2016 and that probably won’t change in the final. But apart from the wild 3-3 against Hungary, their defence has looked solid, even more so since the knockout stages.
The Portuguese have been criticised of their style of play, but coach Fernando Santos says what matters is winning the trophy.
He said: “Let them continue saying the same thing that Portugal won without deserving it. I would go home really happy.”
Santos said he always believed Portugal would win the tournament and he was sticking to his guns, even though he recognised that France were favourites.
“Now they are in the final and playing at home, France are the favourites. But it’s one thing to be favourites and another to win and I believe that Portugal will win,” he said.
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The question is, who will take home the coveted trophy tonight?
Follow our live coverage of the game from 8pm (Nigerian Time)
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