Euro 2016: France Vs Portugal predicted lineups

Bengaluru, July 10: Euro 2016 hosts France take on Portugal in the final match of the tournament tonight, (July 11) at the Stade de France, Paris.

The French are on a roll as they have won 5 out of the 6 games they have played and have won convincingly. Led by Antoine Griezmann upfront, the Les Bleus side will be eyeing the coveted title. The last time they won a major international trophy was the Euro 2000.

Portugal on the other hand have been an average side so far. They finished third in their group without winning a single game but managed to qualified for the knockout stage. So far they have won just one match convincingly and that was against Wales in the semifinal.

As the French and Portuguese gear up to lock horns tonight, let us predict the lineups of both the sides.

France (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris

Hugo Lloris is the captain of this French side and has been in great form from the beginning of the tournament. The Tottenham custodian played a crucial part in France's win over Germany in the semi-final. Lloris made some vital and wonderful saves which kept France at bay in the match

Defenders: Bacary Sagna, Samuel Umtiti, Laurent Koscielny, Patrice Evra

The back-line is likely to remain same for France. 22-year-old Samuel Umtiti has been revelation in this French defense. The player who recently joined FC Barcelona was in great touch against Germany and he successfully bottled up the German attackers.

Midfield: Paul Pogba, Blaise Matuidi, Moussa Sissoko

Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi have done a brilliant job at the heart of the French midfield. While Pogba prefers go up at times to support the attack, Matuidi roams around the center circle and track back when required. These two have been perfectly complimented by Moussa Sissoko. The Newcastle United midfielder replaced N'Golo Kante who missed the quarter-final due to booking. Sissoko capitalised on this opportunity and cemented his place in the starting lineup.

Attack: Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud, Dimitri Payet

The French attack is likely to remain same with Andre-Pierre Gignac to replace Olivier Giroud in the later stages. Griezmann has been the best player of France and the most valuable player of the tournament. Scoring 6 goals so far he has been leading France's smooth journey. He is being supported by Dimitri Payet. The West Ham United star started the tournament on a high but in the last two matches he has been out of form. Olivier Giroud's form has been a major concern for Didier Deschamps. The French number 1 has scored 3 goals but his performances have been below par.

Portugal: (4-4-2

Goalkeeper: Rui Patricio

Rui Patricio will be the man under the Portuguese bar post in the final. The Sporting clube de Portugal custodian has done a fairly decent job in this tournament so far. He will be under an acid test in front of the French attackers tonight.

Defenders: Cedric Soares, Pepe, Jose Fonte, Raphael Guerreiro

Pepe is all set to comeback in the backline of Portugal after missing the semi-final against Wales due to booking. Pepe replaced Bruno Alves in the defense who had a decent outing in the previous match. Pepe's arrival will surely boost Portugal's spirit as his experience is required in such a crucial match.

Midfielders: Renato Sanches, William Carvalho, Danilo, Mario

William Carvalho makes in all probability will be brought in the central midfield alongside Danilo. Carvalho missed the semi-final due to booking. William Carvalho has been extremely efficient in the midfield and his presence will be rquired in stopping the likes of Pogba, Matuidi. Renato Sanches will be operating down the right flank and Mario on the left.

Strikers: Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani

These two are the main for Portugal in the final were they take on the mighty France. Ronaldo and Nani have already scored 3 goals each in the tournament and are the architect behind Portugal's success in this Euro 2016.

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