'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#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.
Also read: 10 Biggest Ballon d'Or wins in football history
