France again failed to do their best when they beat Belgium 1-0, but they almost did enough to reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
Although they were far stronger than a disappointing Belgium outfit, it wasn't until the 85th minute that France took the lead. Substitute Randal Kolo Muani fired a shot past defender Jan Vertonghen to help Les Bleus into the last eight.
This is where they will meet Portugal in the finals of Euro 2016. Revenge and entry into the semi finals are eagerly awaited by Didier Deschamps' team, which is still struggling to beat its potential. They only managed three goals in Germany – two own goals and a penalty from Kylian Mbappe – but they also haven't conceded in open play.
Here's how Deschamps might line up his France team for the big Euro 2024 match against Portugal.
GK: Mike Maignan – With a save percentage of 92.3% and three clean sheets to his name, Maignan has a good tournament. Even the goal he conceded was a penalty, which he initially saved from Robert Lewandowski even though he deviated from his line.
RB: Jules Kounde – The Barcelona defender has been flawless at Euro 2024 but faces a test of strength on Friday. With Nuno Mendes and Rafael Leao bombarding his side, he will need to be on top of his game.
CB: Dayot Upamecano – Bar awarding Poland a penalty, the much-maligned Upamecano justified Deschamps' faith in him. He will be hoping to face the unfit Cristiano Ronaldo on Friday.
CB: William Saliba – Normally good for Germany, Saliba was a major contributor to each of France's three clean sheets. In football, there are few better defenders in this competition.
LB: Theo Hernandez – If it wasn't for his impressive last game against Belgium, France may not have reached the quarter-finals. The Milan star is showing that he can balance attack and defense effectively despite having a huge influence on the pitch.
CM: N'Golo Kante – France's backline looked good, but it helps when you have Kante in front of you. The 33-year-old has been as energetic and efficient as ever.
CM: Aurelien Tchouameni – Having been included in the squad for Euro 2024, Tchouameni seems determined to play with Portugal. Playing deeper than his central midfield teammates, he will be responsible for hampering Bruno Fernandes.
CM: Antoine Griezmann Adrien Rabiot's absence through suspension is unfortunate, but Les Bleus have plenty of options to replace the free agent. Antoine Griezmann would have started regardless, but he can play a deeper role.
RW: Ousmane Dembele – Dropped from the bench against Belgium as France slowly change their form, Dembele should be fresh against Portugal. If he can start on the right side, he will enjoy a quick battle with Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Nuno Mendes.
ST: Randal Kolo Muani – This no-nonsense striker made a difference on the bench last week. He forced Vertonghen's goal with a fine play and provided the center of attention up top, possibly advancing on the stunned Marcus Thuram in the sequence.
LW: Kylian Mbappe – The masked Real Madrid forward switched to left-back against Belgium and could feature again in the draw against Portugal. Mbappe could harass the attack-minded Joao Cancelo on Friday.
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