Cristiano Ronaldo eyes last 16 qualification against already qualified France

Posted Wednesday, June 23, 2021 by Marca.com

Portugal to face Les Blues on Wednesday

Ronaldo scored against Germany

Portugal take on France at the Puskas Arena on Wednesday in what is expected to be the most exciting game of the 2020 European Championship's group stage as the 2016 champions face the 2018 World Cup winners.

Around 55,000 fans are expected to attend the match that will be disputed at 21:00 CEST, while temperatures could reach 40 degrees in the Hungarian capital.

Les Blues have already qualified to the knockout stages despite their 1-1 draw against Hungary last Saturday, while Portugal need at least one point to progress following their 4-2 defeat to Germany.

Fernando Santos' men have watched the match against Die Mannschaft again to analyse their errors and prepare for the upcoming duel with France.

Nuno Mendes will not be at Santos' disposal, while Renato Sanches could start ahead of Bernardo Silva to provide the team with more energy in the final third.

Meanwhile, Joao Felix has fully recovered from his muscular issue, but the Atletico Madrid forward is not expected to be in the starting line-up alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

Didier Deschamps could also make changes to the team that faced Hungary, as Jules Kounde could replace Benjamin Pavard and Corentin Tolisso could take Adrien Rabiot's spot in midfield