Euro 2016 final: France can claim home supremacy in Portugal encounter

Published:

Lee Gormley | July 8, 2016

Portugal v France

  • Euro 2016 final
  • Sunday, July 10th
  • Kick-off: 20:00 BST
  • Stade de France, St-Denis
  • Live on BBC One and ITV

France face Portugal in home final

Host nation France rallied to the Euro 2016 final with victory over world champions Germany and will face Portugal at the Stade de France on Sunday night, with Les Bleus having won the last 10 successive meetings against their latest opponents.

In fact, France have not lost to Portugal since 1975, an unbeaten record spanning an incredible 41 years, and Didier Deschamps’ current crop will look to maintain that dominance on home soil by claiming their third European Championship crown.

Les Bleus prevailed in their own backyard in 1984 and succeeded again in 2000 in Belgium and the Netherlands, and they enter this 2016 final at evens with Coral to triumph within 90 minutes for a third time in front of their home supporters.

Although, Portugal have been solid throughout their campaign and Fernando Santos’ Navigators are 16/5 to spoil the French party with victory in normal time, while another draw leading to extra-time is 2/1 to occur in St-Denis.

Ronaldo aiming for dream Euro title

Portugal have never won a major international tournament, having been runners-up in Euro 2004 and exited at the semi-final stage three times, and they may not get a better chance to end their wait than this Sunday’s clash.

Skipper Cristiano Ronaldo was part of the side that lost to Greece in the final on home turf 12 years ago and he will be desperate to lift silverware with his nation, having enjoyed a record-breaking campaign so far in France this summer.

The Real Madrid marksman is 7/1 to fire Portugal to victory within normal time in his latest final outing, with a £20 max stake, after helping dispatch Wales in the semi-final with a goal and an assist for Nani’s strike.

New Valencia signing Nani has also been superb this summer for the Navigators and the former Manchester United and Fenerbahce winger is 11/4 to add to his three tournament goals anytime. Ricardo Quaresma has been vital during the course of their run to the final too and is 10/3 to get his name on the scoresheet.

Bayern Munich’s teenage sensation Renato Sanches has lived up to the hype surrounding him at the France finals, with another strong showing against the Dragons proving his worth, and he is 11/2 to strike anytime, with fellow midfielder Andre Gomes 8/1 to find the target.

Griezmann gunning for double glory

Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann currently leads the Euro 2016 scoring charts on six strikes following his brace against Germany in the semi-final, and he is 3/1 to score again and France to prevail inside 90 minutes this time out (£20 max stake), as he also chases down the Golden Boot.

Both Arsenal frontman Olivier Giroud and West Ham United playmaker Dimitri Payet have notched up three goals so far and they are 5/4 and 9/4 respectively to dispatch again anytime, while midfield maestro Paul Pogba enters at 11/2 to strike.

The latter Juventus ace has recently been touted for a world record move back to Old Trafford this summer, while Real Madrid are also keen to acquire his services, with the Frenchman’s performances having boosted his already huge reputation.

His potential future teammate Anthony Martial is 11/4 to dispatch anytime in the final, with fellow wideman Kingsley Coman 10/3 to find the net.

Deschamps hopes to bring back good times

Sunday’s final, which will be officiated by English referee Mark Clattenburg, represents a chance for France to bring back the feel-good factor to a nation that was hit by tragedy last November, with Deschamps hoping to triumph for their passionate fans.

“We don’t have the power to solve the French people’s problems but we can ease their worries,” stated Deschamps, whose side are 8/1 to win in extra-time. “There is a lot of passion and fervour. There is a lot of happiness all over France tonight.

“We experience the passion when we talk to the people. Now the players are well aware of that power, and what they can give to the French people by wearing these colours.

“When you see the passion, inside and outside the stadium, this team has everything it takes to be loved, the players are performing well on the pitch and I’m very proud.”

Portugal’s victory over Wales was their first win of the tournament inside normal time and they are 12/1 to lift the European crown by prevailing in extra-time on Sunday, while both nations are 9/1 to emerge victorious via a penalty shoot-out.

Related

For more previews, offers and news on Euro 2016, stop by our dedicated tournament page.

Coral’s top tip: Back Antoine Griezmann to strike again and France to overcome Portugal within 90 minutes in the Euro 2016 final.

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