Portugal vs France, Euro 2024: Four Key Players who may play the Crucial Role in the Quarter-Final

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Portugal and France, two former champions, will face each other in the second Quarter-final of Euro 2024 at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, Germany on Friday (July 5).

It will be their third meeting in three consecutive Euros. Despite having a dominant record over the Selecao, France has managed to win only two of their last four meetings. The other two ended in a draw and a loss. Their last meeting ended in a 2-2 draw, which was a group-stage match of Euro 2020.

Euro 2024 Portugal vs France: Four Key Players for POR vs FRA Quarterfinals

Bernardo Silva (POR): The Manchester City midfielder is considered as one of the best midfielders of the current time. His dribbling skill, creativity, and stamina made him an indispensable part of the Man City squad. The positional flexibility and the ability to take heavy workloads help him to play in different positions and different roles. From a deep-lying playmate and attacking midfielder, from right-wing to a false-nine, Silva can be useful in different ways.

Cristiano Ronaldo (POR): It will be the last Euro for the Portuguese talisman and the legend has yet to score in this tournament. The six-time Ballon D'or winner is known for his versatility in attack and high-pressing football.

Though age has affected his speed and strength, Ronaldo is still a potential threat due to his positioning sense, ability to win aerial duels and high accuracy. It will be the perfect time for this legend to step up his game, against one of the strongest contenders of this title.

Kylian Mbappe (FRA): One of the best players of his generation, Kylian Mbappe will get the chance to avenge the loss in the Euro 2016 final against Portugal. A match-up against his childhood idol Ronaldo will also be an attraction of the match.

Though the Real Madrid winger's only goal has come from a penalty, Mbappe has a history to step up his game in the big matches. The 25-year-old can play on either flank, as well as a centre forward. Clinical finishing, dribbling, speed and accuracy, along with tactical intelligence made him a perfect torchbearer of his today's legendary opponent.

Antoine Griezmann (FRA): The 33-year-old Atletico Madrid star is in great form. Griezmann will be the key playmaker in the French midfield along with N'golo Kante and Tchouameni. The left-footed forward can occupy several attacking positions behind the main attacking line. Griezmann also can play as a main forward but against France, he will be challenged by the Manchester City defender duo Joao Cancelo and Ruben Dias.