Despite being billed as a matchup between two elite football teams led by superstar captains Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal vs France in the quarterfinals has not impressed thus far.
Les Bleus have failed to score at Euro 2024 from open play, and the Selecao are still waiting for their long-overdue goal. The only exciting play in the final third comes from long-range attempts.
Early on, Bruno Fernandes’ attempt was deflected behind, and shortly after, Diogo Costa had to make a diving save to stop a thunderbolt from Theo Hernandez.
Portugal has gained the upper hand in possession in Hamburg, but thus far they have not been able to maintain pressure on a fragmented French team.
This heavyweight match, which is yet to heat up, must undoubtedly get better after the break.
Spain versus France. Kylian Mbappe versus Cristiano Ronaldo. A reprise of the 2016 main event. The quarterfinal of Euro 2024 at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg on Friday looks to be a fascinating match.
Early Encounters: The 1920s to 1960s
The football rivalry between Portugal and France began in the early 20th century. Their first recorded encounter took place on April 18, 1926, in a friendly match held in Paris. France emerged victorious with a 4-2 win. During these early years, France had the upper hand, often defeating Portugal with relative ease.
1926-1960: Establishing the Rivalry
- April 18, 1926: The first-ever match between the two teams ended with France defeating Portugal 4-2 in Paris. This friendly encounter laid the groundwork for future contests.
- May 24, 1933: France once again showcased their dominance with a 3-0 victory over Portugal in another friendly match in Lisbon.
- December 8, 1957: After years of friendly encounters, Portugal managed to secure a notable 2-0 win against France in Lisbon, marking their first victory over their rivals.
During these decades, Portugal and France met primarily in friendly matches, as neither team was a dominant force on the international stage at the time. France had a slight edge, but these early encounters were more about building the foundations of a competitive rivalry.
The 1960s to 1980s: Rising Stakes
1966: Portugal’s World Cup Success
Portugal’s emergence as a footballing power began in the mid-1960s, with Eusebio da Silva Ferreira, one of the greatest players of all time, leading the charge. The 1966 FIFA World Cup in England was a defining moment for Portuguese football. Although Portugal and France did not face each other during the tournament, Portugal’s third-place finish brought newfound respect and recognition.
1984: UEFA European Championship Semi-Final
- June 23, 1984: One of the most iconic matches between the two teams took place during the 1984 UEFA European Championship semi-finals in Marseille. France, led by the legendary Michel Platini, faced a resilient Portuguese side. The match was a thrilling encounter that ended 3-2 in favor of France after extra time, with Platini scoring the decisive goal. This victory sent France to the final, where they secured their first major international trophy by winning the tournament.
The 1990s: France Ascendant
1996: Another European Championship Encounter
- June 21, 1996: The 1996 UEFA European Championship quarter-finals saw France and Portugal meet once again, this time in England. In a tightly contested match, France edged out Portugal with a 1-0 victory, thanks to a golden goal scored by Laurent Blanc. This match demonstrated France’s growing strength as they continued to build a formidable team.
1998: France’s World Cup Triumph
While Portugal did not qualify for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, France emerged victorious on home soil, winning their first-ever World Cup. This achievement solidified France’s status as one of the world’s top footballing nations and set the stage for future encounters with Portugal.
The 2000s: A Decade of Intense Clashes
The turn of the century marked a period of intense competition between Portugal and France. Both teams had world-class players and were consistently reaching the latter stages of major tournaments.
2000: UEFA European Championship Semi-Final
- June 28, 2000: In a repeat of the 1984 semi-final, Portugal and France clashed in the semi-finals of the 2000 UEFA European Championship in Belgium. The match was another classic, with France winning 2-1 after extra time. Zinedine Zidane scored the decisive golden goal from the penalty spot, sending France to the final, where they ultimately triumphed over Italy to win the tournament.
2006: FIFA World Cup Semi-Final
- July 5, 2006: The 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany saw Portugal and France face off in the semi-finals. France secured a 1-0 victory, with Zinedine Zidane converting a penalty to send France to the final. This match was notable for the intense competition and high stakes, as both teams were vying for a spot in the World Cup final.
The 2010s: Portugal’s Redemption
2016: UEFA European Championship Final
- July 10, 2016: One of the most significant matches in the history of the rivalry occurred during the final of the 2016 UEFA European Championship in France. Portugal faced the host nation in a highly anticipated match at the Stade de France. Despite losing their talismanic captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, to injury early in the match, Portugal demonstrated incredible resilience. Substitute Eder scored the winning goal in extra time, securing a historic 1-0 victory for Portugal. This triumph marked Portugal’s first major international trophy and was a moment of redemption for the team after years of near-misses.
2018: FIFA World Cup
While Portugal and France did not face each other in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, both teams had noteworthy performances. France went on to win the tournament, claiming their second World Cup title, while Portugal reached the Round of 16 before being eliminated by Uruguay.
The 2020s: Continuing the Rivalry
2020: UEFA Nations League
- October 11, 2020: The UEFA Nations League provided another opportunity for Portugal and France to clash. The teams met in a group stage match that ended in a 0-0 draw, showcasing the evenly matched nature of the rivalry.
- November 14, 2020: In the reverse fixture, France secured a 1-0 victory over Portugal in Lisbon, with N’Golo Kante scoring the decisive goal. This result helped France top their Nations League group and advance to the finals.
UEFA Euro 2020
- June 23, 2021: The delayed UEFA Euro 2020 tournament saw Portugal and France meet in the group stage. In a thrilling encounter, the match ended in a 2-2 draw, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice for Portugal and Karim Benzema netting twice for France. Both teams advanced to the knockout stage, but Portugal was eliminated in the Round of 16, while France suffered a shock exit in the quarter-finals against Switzerland.
Key Players and Moments
Portuguese Legends
- Eusebio: The 1966 FIFA World Cup top scorer and one of the greatest players in football history, Eusebio played a pivotal role in Portugal’s success during the 1960s.
- Luis Figo: A key figure in the Portuguese team during the late 1990s and early 2000s, Figo’s skill and leadership were instrumental in Portugal’s rise to prominence.
- Cristiano Ronaldo: Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Ronaldo has been a central figure in Portugal’s success since the mid-2000s. His leadership and goal-scoring ability have been crucial in key matches against France.
French Icons
- Michel Platini: A legendary midfielder, Platini was instrumental in France’s success during the 1980s, including their victory over Portugal in the 1984 European Championship semi-final.
- Zinedine Zidane: Known for his elegance and skill, Zidane played a vital role in France’s victories over Portugal in the 2000 European Championship and the 2006 World Cup.
- Thierry Henry: As one of France’s all-time leading goal-scorers, Henry’s contributions were crucial in many encounters against Portugal.
Tactical Battles and Styles
The clashes between Portugal and France have often been characterized by contrasting styles of play. France has traditionally been known for their flair and technical ability, while Portugal has been praised for their resilience and tactical discipline. This dynamic has made for intriguing and closely contested matches.
France’s Tactical Approach
France’s success has often been built on a strong defensive foundation, complemented by creative midfielders and clinical forwards. In recent years, France’s team has been marked by a balance of youth and experience, with players like Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and Paul Pogba playing key roles.
Portugal’s Tactical Approach
Portugal’s tactical approach has evolved over the years, with an emphasis on solid defense and quick counter-attacks. Under the guidance of managers like Luiz Felipe Scolari and Fernando Santos, Portugal has developed a reputation for being difficult to break down, relying on the brilliance of players like Cristiano Ronaldo to deliver decisive moments.
Future Prospects and Conclusion
As we look to the future, the rivalry between Portugal and France shows no signs of waning. Both teams boast a wealth of talent and are consistently among the favorites in major international tournaments. The next encounters between these two footballing powerhouses will undoubtedly add new chapters to their storied history.
The Portugal vs. France rivalry is more than just a series of matches; it is a testament to the enduring allure of international football, where passion, skill, and determination converge on the grandest stages. As fans, we can only anticipate with excitement the next clash between these two iconic teams, knowing that it will be another unforgettable moment in the history of the beautiful game.
This timeline captures the essence of the Portugal and France national football teams’ rivalry, highlighting key moments and the evolution of both teams. If there’s anything more specific you’d like to know or explore further, feel free to ask!
