France has only failed to win one of its games in the tournament, a 0-0 draw with Switzerland in the group stage.
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A victory for France over Portugal in Sunday’s European soccer Championship final would give the country a welcome morale boost.
The two now hold the keys to Sunday’s final, in which France will chase a third European title after 1984 and 2000 and a third triumph on home soil after Euro 1984 and the 1998 World Cup.
Deschamps is unlikely to change tack, though Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi-who sit just in front of a four-man defence-will have to track back to help break down Portuguese offensives, in addition to their own offensive duties.
Mark Clattenburg is taking charge at the Stade de France, having in May officiated the final of the FA Cup and Champions League.
Cristiano Ronaldo recognises that hosts France are the favourites and will be a tough opponent to beat in the Euro 2016 final.
The country, though, is still scarred by last year’s atrocities.
Ricardo Quaresma replaced him as Portugal’s chances of upsetting the hosts were dealt a blow at the Stade de France.
Pepe faces a race against time to be fit, but on the whole Portugal have tightened up defensively during the knockout stages and here they must contemplate the task of containing the tournament’s top scorer.
“We’re even prouder to be on the pitch (than normal), to feel the entire French population behind us, to feel this happiness which is shared between the players and the French people”, the Tottenham Hotspur stopper said.
“When you play against opposition players like Ronaldo from set pieces, who have the physical attributes to hang in the air, you have to get up early to make sure they don’t get the run on you, because otherwise it is very hard to get to the ball. But we have the power to generate emotions and make them forget their worries”.
Anthony Lopes and three other Portugal plays are now with the French team, while Ronaldo and Pepe are interested in a UEFA and EURO Champions League double.
This, the defender says, is a “totally different kettle of fish” and Portugal coach Santos believes France have the wherewithal to cope with the pressure. Portugal have had a great competition so far, and us as well.
Paris-For Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal the Euro 2016 final on Sunday offers a golden opportunity to end a miserable record in meetings with France.
Portugal ace Cristiano Ronaldo admits that winning a trophy on the global stage is something he has “always dreamed of” as he prepares for the Euro 2016 final. “I have won everything at club level and individual level; this would be a great achievement to win something for the Portuguese team”.
“He’s one of the best in the world, if not the best”.
“I have been to stadiums before but I don’t quite know what to expect, it’s going to be so incredible”.
It has taken six years for France to regain the adulation of its fan base.
“We went through a crisis in French football but managed to pick ourselves up”, said Lloris who was on the French squad six years ago in South Africa.
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“But we still have that final step to take to finish this competition in the best possible fashion”. “In fact the FAW has been charged by UEFA on that but we put in a lot of mitigation around this because obviously it is about that future generation and that inclusivity”.
