Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted that “anything is possible” in Sunday evening’s Euro 2016 final meeting with France, having kept his “dream” of winning the competition alive.
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Favored France will take on underdog Portugal on Sunday in the last game of its quest to win another major tournament at home. They won the previous 10 games between the two, with France ending in 1-0 in their favor.
Deschamps did not want to reveal any tactics but Samuel Umtiti is expected to start for the third time after impressing in central defence in the last two games which were his maiden caps.
The Angola-born striker struck again in the ninth minute of extra time with a deflected volley, only for Domergue to stab in an equaliser. The playmaker has been linked with a post-Euro 2016 move from Sporting Lisbon to Inter Milan.
Portugal’s Pepe stretches during a training session in Marcoussis, near Paris, France, Saturday, July 9, 2016.
“For the players its time to rest ahead of the game for the journalists the talk continues”.
“So much sadness, frustration and disappointment”.
‘There is some pressure, we have that experience from 2004, ‘ said the coach, who formed part of a commentary team for that match 12 years ago. “But he is capable of playing in another role as well if I think it’s better for the team”.
“Whether they will win or not is a whole different thing”.
Santos feels vindicated that the pre-tournament predictions of Portugal being candidates for a final berth have come to pass and he pays little mind to France’s status as strong favourites to prevail at their national stadium.
Again France went on to win the continental crown while Portugal were left to rue the officials’ decision to penalise Abel Xavier for a handball in the box as a shoot-out again loomed.
Portugal will be out to spoil the French party by claiming a first major tournament trophy after their most recent final appearance ended in a bitter loss to Greece as hosts of Euro 2004. We didn’t win every fixture but we’ve tried to retain this mindset. “I hope we will make it a lovely end”.
With the threat of Cristiano Ronaldo and a midfield diamond created to offer the Real Madrid man scoring opportunities, a committed defensive performance will be required from all French players.
Ronaldo trudged off the field in tears that night.
The most compelling character on the Stade de France stage. Portugal are a high-quality side with experienced players.
Germany beat Italy for the first time in nine attempts at major tournaments, albeit on penalties in the quarter-finals.
“Playing the Euros on home soil has been wonderful”.
The former Juventus midfielder has a reputation in France for being lucky and it was enhanced by Thursday’s win over Germany, who dominated the game for long periods.
“We are aware of our past defeats against France, but that can give us extra strength and motivation”.
But Mario added: “Probability doesn’t win matches”.
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“It’s the ideal scenario, France-Portugal was the ideal scenario for us, my colleagues and I were saying that, we wanted it to be France-Portugal because we knew that from the semis the French supporters were going to buy shirts and since the beginning the Portuguese have been buying them”.
