France vs. Portugal Predictions and Betting Odds

Last Updated on July 17, 2024 9:11 am by Gambyl Nation Editorial Team

France will face Portugal in Group F of UEFA EURO 2020 in Budapest on Wednesday, June 23 at 14:00 E.T, and the match will be televised by DIRECTV Sports. Portugal’s loss to Germany on Saturday leaves them in even greater need of points heading into this rematch of the EURO 2016 final. However, the Portuguese’s destiny remains in their own hands, and they will again rely on their record man and EURO 2020 top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo to guide them to at least a draw that will see them through. France’s draw with Hungary means they still lead the group with four points and Monday’s results meant they have already qualified for the last 16. 

Here are five super interesting facts ahead of Portugal and France’s final group stage clash: 

1. UEFA EURO 2016 final replay on day three in Budapest 

2. Before the UEFA EURO 2016 final, France had won ten consecutive matches between the two teams, and have still won 19 of the 27 meetings between the two countries. 

3. The 2-0 semifinal win over Wales was Portugal’s only 90-minute regulation victory at UEFA EURO 2016. 

4. Defeat in the final to Portugal in 2016 denied France the chance to win its third EURO title after its triumphs in 1984 and 2000. 

5. The 2-0 loss in Turkey on June 8, 2019, is France’s only defeat in 90 minutes in their last 19 EURO matches. 

Let’s review the current events of both teams before the last group stage match: 

Portugal: Playing against France knowing that they need a positive result is not the way Portugal wanted to go into their final group stage match, with elimination still a possible option. As he did in 2016, Fernando Santos had an informal chat and press conference just for the Portuguese press, in which he talked about tactics and the need to freshen up the team, as well as taking responsibility for Portugal’s heaviest defeat in the EURO. The Portuguese will face the world champions to secure a place in the round of 16 without depending on other results. 

France: Didier Deschamps’ message to his squad after the disappointing result against Hungary was simple: “Win against Portugal and we’ll top the group. After suffering physically in stifling conditions, the French will be relieved to play once the sun goes down in Budapest. I expect to see more energy and determination from Deschamps’ team, and for Karim Benzema to finally score his first EURO goal in his ninth finals appearance. 

Betting line: 

France: 34.4% (+116) – Goals: 1.20 – Best O/U: o2½+125 

Portugal: 38.8% (+260) – Goals: 1.32 – Best O/U: u2½-158 

Draw: 26.8% (+215)