French police and troops are gearing up for their biggest security challenge since the deadly November 13 attacks across Paris previous year, as hundreds of thousands of fans mass in the French capital for Sunday’s Euro 2016 European Soccer Championship final.
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“Twelve years on and I am in another final”, the Real Madrid forward said. Neither player scored in regulation, and the game finished 1-1 going the distance to penalties.
How long ago the afternoon in Lyon now seems when, against a bright and inventive Hungary side, Portugal were less than half an hour from being knocked out of Euro 2016.
“My only focus is on playing this final”, Mario said, avoiding discussing his club career at the Portugal training base south of Paris. If Evra and Sagna find themselves in too many one on ones, this could spell trouble for France, who have more attacking options and overall the ability to change, but they don’t have Cristiano Ronaldo.
“There is pressure. We have that experience from 2004”. He has declared his wish to be crying tears of joy after Sunday’s final at the Stade de France. The teams have played 24 matches, including friendlies.
And for a Portugal preview, go to Richard Jolly, writing: “They have remodelled the midfield, bringing in William Carvalho and Renato Sanches, even if it is hard to believe neither started the tournament in the team”.
It is a match Fernando Santos’ side approach boosted by Pepe’s return in defence, having overcome a thigh complaint that ruled him out of the semifinal victory against Wales. “I hope we will make it a attractive end”.
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. “As soon as I could get to the Premier League, I thought I’d be closer to the dream, to my target”. Griezmann has a lovely touch, a sublime left foot, and his six goals have lit up the tournament. “It’s something that I am proud of and something I’ll always cherish, this time in Euro 2016”.
Portugal have the chance to reverse those roles at the Stade de France, with hosts and bookmakers’ favourites France looking to avoid defeat to the Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Portuguese. The Portuguese aren’t trying to avoid being weighed down by the lop-sided nature of the rivalry.
“I want them to keep saying the same thing”, said a confident Santos. “Playing the Euros on home soil has been wonderful”.
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“We’ve obviously been through some hard times with regards to this dramatic event”, France captain Lloris said Saturday at a pre-match news conference. We didn’t win every fixture but we’ve tried to retain this mindset.
