Portugal v France betting tips: Previous finalists meet again
Preview and odds for the Group F match
There is a repeat of the 2016 European Championship final in the last round of group games as the continental champions and the world champions meet in Budapest.
The so-called ‘group of death’ is proving as exciting as had been hoped and all four teams can still qualify for the last 16 with Germany v Hungary taking place in Munich at the same time.
Wednesday’s match is live on BBC One and kicks off at 8pm as we highlight a few potential Portugal v France betting tips.
Portugal v France match odds
Portugal and France both made a victorious start at Euro 2020 but are now looking to return to winning ways after disappointing results at the weekend.
Antoine Griezmann rescued France as they had to come from behind to claim a 1-1 draw against resilient Hungary, who had been expected to be the whipping boys of Group F.
Despite dominating for long periods in sweltering heat in Budapest, the French were stunned as Attila Fiola fired Hungary into a shock lead late in the first half at a raucous Puskas Arena.
Didier Deschamps’ side responded to level through Griezmann after 66 minutes but they were unable to force a winner and had to settle for a point.
That was still enough to put them top of the table and France are 10/11 to win the group heading into Matchday 3, while they remain the 7/2 favourites in the Euro 2020 winner odds.
France boss Didier Deschamps remains confident his high-profile front three of Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema will click despite a number of chances being spurned.
He said: “They are high-quality players but, despite all their qualities and talent, they don’t play together that often. It can always be better but we are seeing very promising things on the pitch.”
France are 6/5 to get revenge for their defeat in the 2016 final while Portugal are 13/5 for the win as they look to bounce back from Saturday’s 4-2 defeat against Germany.
An early opener from Cristiano Ronaldo and a late consolation by Diogo Jota were not enough for Portugal, who did not help themselves by becoming the first European nation to concede two own goals in a single match at a major tournament.
The draw is priced up at 19/10 and will be enough for Portugal to finish second if Germany lose while both teams to score could attract plenty of interest at evens with so much attacking talent on the pitch.
Portugal v France head-to-head
Portugal ruined the party in 2016 when Eder’s extra-time winner at the Stade de France secured their first major trophy despite losing Ronaldo to injury in the first half.
France have since taken four points off Portugal in two Nations League meetings and the last four encounters have produced just one goal in 90 minutes.
Under 2.5 goals can be backed at 4/7 while a goalless first half for the fifth successive meeting is 13/10.
Previous XI
Portugal: Patricio, Semedo, Pepe, Dias, Guerreiro, Silva, Fernandes, Pereira, Carvalho, Ronaldo, Jota.
France: Lloris, Pavard, Kimpembe, Varane, Digne, Pogba, Kante, Rabiot, Griezmann, Mbappe, Benzema.
Team news
Joao Felix and Nuno Mendes both missed Portugal’s defeat in Munich but have since trained with the rest of the squad.
France will be without forward Ousmane Dembele after he was ruled out for the rest of Euro 2020 with a knee injury.
Key battles
Some of the most talented players in the world will be on show in Budapest and Ronaldo will again be the main man despite the last Euros meeting proving Portugal can win without him.
Portugal defenders Ruben Dias and Raphael Guerreiro both scored own goals against Germany so will be keen to avoid any mishaps against arguably the best strike-force in the world, while Bruno Fernandes will have to escape the shackles of N’Golo Kante in midfield if Portugal want to control possession.
If you expect the star names to shine then the #YourCall offer of 4/1 for both teams to score, Mbappe to have at least two shots on target and Ronaldo to have one could be the way to go.
View the latest Euro 2020 odds
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
