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It's the clash of two football giants in the UEFA Nations League as Portugal and France lock horns in Matchday 3 of the competition on Sunday. The two League A Group 3 sides have won both of their opening games in the group so far.
The Selecao and Les Bleus — the defending European champions and world champions respectively — have been in fine form in the Nations League. Both sides put four goals past 2018 FIFA World Cup finalists Croatia and managed to see off a stubborn Sweden side as well.
France are fresh off another mauling as they dismantled Ukraine by putting seven past them in a friendly, while Portugal played out a well-fought 0-0 draw against former world champions Spain.
The encounter at the Stade de France is expected to be a high-profile one filled with goals and exciting moments. The fixture — a repeat of the 2016 UEFA Euros final at the same venue — would see superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and several others in action.
Here, we take a look at five key battles that could decide the outcome of the game.
#5 Olivier Giroud vs Ruben Dias
While the Manchester City faithful got a look their new signing in a thrilling 1-1 draw away to Leeds United, they would have another opportunity to see him in action against some of the best players in the world. Ruben Dias is one of the most exciting young defenders out there and he would be up against a World Cup-winning attack, and will be asked to keep an eye on one of the best hold-up strikers in Europe, Olivier Giroud.
The French veteran, who recently made history by becoming only the seventh centurion in terms of appearances for his country, has been one of Didier Deschamps' go-to men in attack. His 42 goals is only bettered by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. Giroud is a handful for any defender in the world even without getting on the scoresheet, and Dias will have to be at his very best physically and mentally to keep tabs on the Chelsea man.
The 23-year-old is no slouch either and is a powerful centre-half who is good in the air. Dias has averaged four (!) aerial duels won per game in the Nations League so far.
#4 Kylian Mbappe vs Joao Cancelo
Regardless of the set-up that Deschamps opts for, France have an abundance of striking options, due to which they could go for a strike partnership up top. Although Mbappe is likely to play as one of the two strikers, he is someone who thrives on running into space down the flanks, which could see him come up against Joao Cancelo more often than not.
Manchester City's Portuguese full-back is an attack-minded player who, while his side is in possession, is likely to hold the width to allow Bernardo Silva to drift infield. Should Cancelo do so, Mbappe could have a field day against Portugal as the City man could leave his defence exposed, due to which he will have to go about his defensive duties with the utmost diligence.
Mbappe came on in the second half of France's friendly and wreaked havoc by cutting in from wide areas into the middle, and contributed with a goal and an assist. He is in fine form, and both Cancelo and Raphael Guerreiro need to be mindful of the Frenchman.
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#3 Antoine Griezmann vs Danilo Pereira
After a successful career in Portugal, Danilo Pereira got his long-awaited move to a top-five European league after Paris Saint-Germain picked him up on deadline day. Against France, new PSG man will be tasked with stifling the home side's talismanic figure in attack, Antoine Griezmann.
Despite his struggles for Barcelona, Griezmann continues to be a pivotal figure for Les Bleus. The 29-year-old is likely to operate behind the two forwards, dropping deep to collect the ball and play between the lines to disrupt Portugal's midfield. A press-friendly, versatile forward, Griezmann will also look to nick the ball off opposition players high up the pitch.
Danilo, who is likely to screen the defence playing as a destroyer in front of them, will be the man responsible for tracking Griezmann's runs and nullifying the Frenchman's impact in Portugal's half. He has been a defensive colossus for Fernando Santos' men, and has played every minute of Portugal's Nations League campaign.
#2 Paul Pogba vs Bruno Fernandes
It's a battle of Manchester United's two midfield maestros as Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes are set to lock horns in the middle of the park. The Portuguese and the Frenchman have had poor starts to the league campaign as the Red Devils have picked up just three points from a possible nine, and were recently on the receiving end of a miserable 6-1 thrashing against Tottenham Hotspur.
The pair would look to put their woes behind them with an impressive display or two on international duty. Fernandes has played 90 minutes in both of his side's Nations League game so far, while Pogba is set to make his tournament debut this year after missing out due to testing positive for COVID-19.
Pogba and Fernandes are pivotal to their teams' midfield and how they play will directly impact their sides. The creators-in-chief would be critical to France, and Portugal's chances of winning the game and their battle is sure to be a fascinating one.
#1 Raphael Varane vs Cristiano Ronaldo
Two former teammates go head to head in the most crucial battle of France's encounter with Portugal. Raphael Varane and Ronaldo's duel on the pitch could almost directly impact the result of the game. The Portuguese icon became the first-ever European player to reach 100 international goals just over a month ago, highlighting that even at 35, he is in sublime touch.
That would come as bad news for any defender in the world, but Varane — part of the best defence in LaLiga Santander last year as well as this year (so far) — is likely to give Ronaldo one of the toughest tests he's faced in recent times. The Frenchman is imperious in the air and calm on the ball, and despite what his shambolic display against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League might suggest, Varane has excellent defensive awareness.
Ronaldo has gotten off to a flying start in the 2020/21 campaign as well and will hope to get one over the defending world champions and his former Real Madrid teammate. Varane will have to be at his very best to keep the legendary Portuguese at bay.
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