France, Portugal head for Euro 2016 final showdown

Paris - The Euro 2016 final on Sunday sees a match between hosts France and Portugal that will unleash a clash between one of the world's greatest players ever Cristiano Ronaldo and wouldbe pretender Antoine Griezmann.

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By Web Report

Published: Sun 10 Jul 2016, 12:45 PM

Last updated: Tue 24 Sep 2024, 4:24 PM

The Euro 2016 final on Sunday sees a match between hosts France and Portugal that will unleash a clash between one of the world's greatest players ever Cristiano Ronaldo and would be pretender Antoine Griezmann.

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After 50 matches over a month of football that has seen stunning shocks by Iceland and Wales, Ronaldo is counting on his side producing one more upset so he can finally win an international trophy.

Portugal will have to beat a French side who have found new inspiration from Griezmann - the tournament's leading scorer on six goals - and being willed on by a nation avid to rediscover the feelgood factor.

Fernando Santos vs Didier Deschamps

Rival coaches Didier Deschamps of France and Fernando Santos of Portugal have been desperately trying to shield their teams from the sky high hopes of two nations.

Portugal's head coach Fernando Santos (L) and France's coach Didier Deschamps. AFP

Didier Deschamps said:

"It's an exceptional moment, a privilege, a unique chance because there is a title at the end," .

"What you need to do is approach it as relaxed as possible while being at the same time totally focussed on the match."

"On the bench, there is a frustration in not taking part, but I can't do that anyway. But I'm fine, I don't feel any pressure, no stress, just adrenaline and that's positive."

France have put in some stylish performances, including their 5-2 win over Iceland to end the giant killing run of the team that dumped England out of the contest.

France want to make 'history' after team strife: Hugo Lloris

France captain Hugo Lloris said the team wants to put their name in the football history books to redeem themselves for a player revolt at the 2010 World Cup that made them a national disgrace.

The troubles were worsened by the exclusion of star striker Karim Benzema over an alleged sextape blackmail attempt.

Web Report

Published: Sun 10 Jul 2016, 12:45 PM

Last updated: Tue 24 Sep 2024, 4:24 PM

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