Match Preview
Reigning world champions France will welcome Portugal to Stade de France in their third group match of this second edition of the UEFA Nations League. The two teams enter Sunday's encounter with a 100 percent win record in Group 3 of League A and will aspire to keep things the way they are as they contest for supremacy.
While the clash promises to be intriguing neutrals, it is one that Les Bleus will relish as it presents them with the perfect opportunity to avenge the Euro 2016 final defeat suffered at the hands of Cristiano Ronaldo and his compatriots. A goal by Eder in extra-time was enough to put a massive dent in Didier Deschamps' hope to lead the team to triumph on their home soil.
However, it proved to be enough motivation for France, charging them up to win the World Cup two years later. They have since grown from strength to strength, and have already given both Sweden and Croatia much to ponder over to rank among the table toppers in Group 3 of League A. Les Bleus' enter the upcoming clash with Portugal as favorites after thrashing Ukraine 7-1 in their most recent outing.
Needless to say, the Portuguese will not be pushovers as far as Sunday's game is concerned. They will return to Stade de France for the first time since their Euro 2016 success and will hope that they exit with another memorable day to savor. Just like France, Fernando Santos' men are to put a foot wrong in the UEFA Nations League. The defending champions began their quest with a 4-1 win over Croatia before registering a 2-0 victory over Sweden in a matter of days.
In the grand scheme of things, they have proved to be a formidable side considering that they are unbeaten in 18 of their last 20 games in all competitions.
France vs Portugal: Key stats
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Portugal are unbeaten in the eight matches they have so far played in the Nations League. They have scored 15 goals in the process.
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France have scored 12 goals in their last three games (7-1 vs Ukraine, 4-2 vs Croatia and 1-0 vs Sweden).
Predicted starting XI
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France starting XI: Lloris; Pavard, Varane, Lenglet, Hernandez; Kante, Pogba, Tolisso; Griezmann; Mbappe, Giroud
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Portugal starting XI: Patricio; Cancelo, Dias, Pepe, Guerreiro; Danilo, Carvalho, Fernandes; Ronaldo, Felix, Bernardo Silva.
Broadcast information for France vs Portugal
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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