The Euro 2024 second quarterfinal will see the disappointing French side taking on plucky Portuguese. However, alongside the match, what will be more exciting to watch is the modern superstar Mbappe taking on his idol Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who is having a last dance before calling off an end to his international career.
France was not very convincing in the group stages or the Round of 16 stage, and even their superstar Mbappe has seen a major setback with his nose injury. The face mask seemed to have reduced his dominance on the field, though he would expect to bounce back in sight of his idol.
Portugal, who were seen as even more inconsistent in the Round of 16 games against Slovakia, as all players, especially the GOAT Ronaldo, missed an extra-time penalty to let the game slip into the shootouts. Ronaldo kept his composure to score the first for Portugal from the spot, while Diogo Costa saved his crying captain from a humiliating departure with 3 saves in the penalties that earned Portugal their Quarter-final spot.
However, with the greats of European football, Griezmann, Saliba, Kounde, Rabiot, and Mbappe, taking on a side full of EPL greats Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, one should expect some thrilling action at Hamburg tonight.
Portugal have been better in the group stages, until their loss against Georgia and the goalless penalties in the Round of 16, while France has scored just 3 goals so far, with 2 own goals alongside a penalty from the ex-PSG star. With no goals from Ronaldo yet, the legend will look to fancy his chances on this big occasion, as he eyes the record of scoring in all seasons of Euro he has appeared in.
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With France having the best defence in Euro 2024, Portugal has struggled in the half as Cancelo is busy attacking with the ball, while Dias and Pepe have failed due to their lack of pace. However, Costa will be confident if the French fail to score in the normal time of play and the game moves into the shootouts.
Mbappe is making a move to Real Madrid after a splendid show with PSG over these years, just like his idol’s famous move from good Manchester United years to a decorated career for Real Madrid. Mbappe is eyeing a similar peak, as he will only add finesse to the side while gaining immense importance playing in the current La Liga greats Real Madrid, as they have seen inevitable success over arch-rivals FC Barcelona in recent years.
This Euro encounter might seem thrilling or not, but Mbappe taking on Ronaldo for one last time will be worth a watch for football fans from around the globe, as we witness at Hamburg that whether the GOAT continues his last dance in the Euros or the Superstar puts a full stop to his idol’s splendid career.
