INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Euro 2020: Portugal 2-2 France Post-match analysis

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After a fierce encounter between France and Portugal in Ferenc Puskas Arena, the last group fixtures of Euro 2020 ended 2-2.

Cristiano Ronaldo gave the lead in the first half from the spot to the Portuguese side. But, right at the end of the first 45 minutes, Karim Benzema equalized from a dubious penalty. Straightway in the second half, France got the lead from yet another goal from the Real Madrid man. But, in the end, Ronaldo equalized from the penalty spot to earn one point against Didier Deschamps’ men. 

With the Group F fixtures, France finished top of the group. After drawing against Hungary, Germany remained second and Fernando Santos’ side qualified as the top four best third-placed teams. 

Portugal 2-2 France Team News:

Portugal manager Fernando Santos went with 4-3-3 formation and made two changes from the defeat against Germany. Joao Mourinho started in place of William Carvalho and Renato Sanches got the chance ahead of Bruno Fernandes. 

Deschamps also went with 4-3-3 formation and made three changes in the starting line-up. Lucas Hernández started ahead of Lucas Digne and Jules Kounde got the chance ahead of Benjamin Pavard. Corentin Tolisso also started ahead of Adrien Rabiot. 

Portugal 2-2 France Post-match analysis:

Portugal started the game well and dictated the speed of the game. They found the lead after Hugo Lloris fouled Danilo in the box and Ronaldo made no mistake from scoring the penalty. 

However, late into the first half, the referee gave a dubious penalty to France and out of nowhere Les Bleus equalized the game. Despite having a poor first half, the French side were level at the break. 

Soon after the second half started, Paul Pogba’s magical defence-splitting through pass found Benzema and the Real Madrid man made no mistake in a one on one situation. 

Santos’ side got back into the game after Ronaldo’s cross came off Kounde’s hand and the referee acknowledged Portugal’s penalty shout and awarded one, yet again the 36-year-old Juventus man converted the penalty with ease. 

In the end, Rui Patricio appeared as a saviour for Portugal against France. Pogba’s bullet strick from outside the box was brilliantly saved by the goalkeeper and the follow-up shot from Antoine Griezmann saved yet again by the Wolverhampton goalkeeper. 

Notable Performances:

Cristiano Ronaldo: Scored two goals from the spot. And became the highest scorer in international football by equalling former Iranian player Ali Daei’s 109 goals. The Portuguese is currently leading the Euro 2020 goal-scoring chart with five goals in three games. 

Karim Benzema: The Real Madrid player scored for France after five years. His two goals gave Deschamps’ side the top placed finish in the group of death. 

Paul Pogba: Was excellent in midfield. Provided a great pass for the second goal and almost scored the third from the outside the box. 

France will encounter Switzerland in Bucharest on 28th June and Portugal will meet Belgium in Seville on 27th June in the Euro 2020 round of 16 stage. 

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