Alex Keble provides tactical insight final round of Euro 2020 group stage fixtures, including Portugal v France.
Portugal v France: Count the counter-attack
- 20:00 BST, Wednesday on BBC One
- Puskás Aréna - Budapest, Hungary
It took Portugal 84 minutes to break down Hungary, and while France were held to a draw in Budapest, it tells us they are not at their best when expected to dominate the ball and probe for spaces.
Consequently France’s conservative setup and focus on counter-attacking football should stump the Portuguese; Cristiano Ronaldo is severely limited by a crowded penalty area, while Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes both looked a little lost when attempting to play through a sea of bodies.
At the other end, the quick breaks we saw in France’s opener – when Paul Pogba fed Kylian Mbappe in behind – should return for this one, primarily because 38-year-old Pepe is clearly vulnerable to the speed of the young France forward.
A lot will rest on the ability of Danilo Pereira and William Carvalho to shield their defenders and cut off the passing lanes from Pogba to Mbappe.
It is unlikely they will be able to do so, leading to a fairly simple France win.
Safer gambling
We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.
If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.
Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.