11.10.2020 » France 0-0 Portugal. A non-aggression pact in Paris
Four years ago, on the exact same stage as tonight's game, France and Portugal played the EURO 2016 final, as both teams looked to be crowned European champion. Back then, the Portuguese side would eventually beat the hosts thanks to a goal from Éder in extra-time, but just like tonight, there were no goals in regular time. France and Portugal shared points this Sunday night, after failing to go beyond a 0-0 draw at the Stade de France. Neither side managed to create great scoring chances throughout the game and after this goalless draw, they will both continue on the top of the UEFA Nations League's Group 3.
Cristiano Ronaldo game photos in France vs Portugal
France 0-0 Portugal - Goals and highlights:
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Hello France! We Meet again...
This Sunday marked the 6th anniversary since Fernando Santos took charge of the Portuguese National Team and what better way to celebrate the occasion than playing the World champions, in their own backyard? In his first game on the Portuguese bench, Fernando Santos got defeated 2-1 by France, on October 11 of 2014. In their second meeting, Fernando Santos managed to beat their rivals 1-0 in extra-time, in the EURO 2016 final. Tonight, the 0-0 draw in regular time prevailed and both teams were happy to take a point each.
After seeing so many new players in Portugal's lineup against Spain just 3 days ago, it was more than obvious that Fernando Santos was going to change most of his starters for tonight's game against France. In goal, nothing changed, as Rui Patrício kept his spot. In defense, Guerreiro played on the left, Nélson Semedo on the right, and Pepe paired up with Rúben Dias in the centre. Portugal's midfield was formed by Danilo, William Carvalho and Rúben Fernandes, while the attack was left to Bernardo Silva, João Félix and of course, Cristiano Ronaldo.
The first half clearly showed us very positive signs from the Portuguese Team, as Fernando Santos' men embraced tonight's clash without being afraid of looking in the eyes of the reigning world champions. Not only Portugal had more possession than France in the first 45 minutes, as they also looked to be in control and capable of dictating the pace of the game.
Two unbreakable defenses...
However, neither Portugal or France really got to threaten each other in terms of breaking the deadlock and it was without surprise that both teams went into the dressing rooms with a goalless draw. In fact and after the first 45 minutes played in Paris, there was only 1 shot on target and it was made by France. It was a game mostly disputed near the midfield area of the pitch and with the two defenses well organized and in great form, none of the attackers had good chances to shine tonight...
The second half was somehow different than what we had seen in the first 45 minutes, as the hosts improved their game and started looking more dangerous when attacking. However, Portugal managed to stay organized in almost every moment of the game and despite Pogba and Mbappé's incursions in attack, the Seleção succeeded in keeping Rui Patrício's goal safe.
The Portuguese players even had a brief goal celebration deep inside the second half, when a free-kick cross from Raphael Guerreiro found the 37-year old unmarked on the far post. The former Real Madrid defender headed the ball into the back of the net, but a few seconds later realized his goal had been ruled offside and immediately ran back to take his position in defense. At the end of the day, the single point earned for France and Portugal was a good outcome for both sides, as they continue being the favorites to finish on the first two places of their group with still 3 round of fixtures left to be played.
Portugal line-up vs France:
Goalkeeper: Rui Patrício
Defenders: Guerreiro, Pepe, Rúben Dias, Nélson Semedo
Midfielders: William Carvalho, Danilo, Bruno Fernandes
Attackers: Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, João Félix.
Match stats provided by www.ronaldo7.net
|
||
|---|---|---|
France
|
vs
|
Portugal
|
0 |
Goals |
0 |
10 |
Shots |
10 |
3 |
Shots on goal |
3 |
1 |
Corner kicks |
4 |
19 |
Fouls commited |
12 |
0 |
Yellow cards |
1 |
0 |
Red cards |
0 |
49% |
Ball possession |
51% |
Cristiano Ronaldo next game for Portugal in the UEFA Nations League is on October 14, against Sweden. You can watch Portugal vs Sweden, Chile vs Colombia, Ukraine vs Spain, Peru vs Brazil, Bolivia vs Argentina, and Germany vs Switzerland, all matches provided from our soccer live game pages.
Juventus next game:
France vs Portugal kick-off time (14-10-2020):
Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+8: 02:45
Jakarta (Indonesia) | UTC/GMT+7: 01:45
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+5.30: 00:15
Italy (Turin) | UTC/GMT+2: 20:45
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+2: 20:45
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+1: 19:45
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 15:45
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-4: 14:45
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-7: 11:45
Sources: ronaldo7.net / uefa.com / beinsports.com / espn.co.uk
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