With the nation's hopes resting on their shoulders, Euro
2016 hosts France meet Portugal in the tournament's finale on Sunday night.
The host nation go into the European Championship final
against Cristiano Ronaldo and Co at the Stade de France having won the last 10
meetings between the two teams.
The recent results between the two European giants doesn't
bode well for the Portuguese, with their last victory over the French coming in
March, 1975.
Here, Sportsmail compares to the two teams man for man...
FRANCE
Hugo Lloris - 8
The Tottenham star has captained his country since Euro 2012
and has been in fine form in this tournament so far. Produced a brilliant save
to deny Joshua Kimmich in the 2-0 semi-final win over Germany and seems to be
getting better with age. Has conceded just four goals in the competition.
Bacary Sagna - 7
Former Arsenal right back Sagna isn't getting younger and at
33 years of age, this could be his last chance to experience major tournament
final success with his nation. Has been consistent for the host nation and does
the simple things with ease.
Laurent Koscielny - 8
Perhaps the best defender at this summer's tournament,
Koscielny has had to make do without the injured Raphal Varane and the rotation
of Adil Rami and Samuel Umtiti next to him. But he's coped well, leading from
the back and is a threat from set-pieces at the other end.
Samuel Umtiti - 7
Only made his international debut against Iceland in the
quarter-finals, Umtiti is beginning to show why Barcelona have agreed a
£20.6million deal to sign him from Lyon. Only came into the side due to Rami's
suspension but kept his place in the semi-final victory over Germany.
Patrice Evra - 7
A man who needs no introduction, the 35-year-old left back
is still performing on the biggest stage despite nearing the end of his career.
Evra has seen some of France's darkest days and his experience of big games
with Manchester United means he's a hugely valued member of what is a
relatively young French side.
Paul Pogba - 8
Had a slow start to the tournament but is beginning to show
why Manchester United are willing to pay more than £100m to bring him back to Old
Trafford. Scored a bullet header in the 5-2 victory over Iceland and showed
great feet to play a part in France's second against Germany in the semis.
Blaise Matuidi - 6
The engine room in midfield, Matuidi's will be tasked with
helping to keep the likes of Ronaldo and Nani quiet on Sunday. Having spent his
entire career in France, the box-to-box midfielder wears his heart on his
sleeve and has been thoroughly impressive this summer. Has been linked with a
move to Manchester United too, where he would undoubtedly dig in with tireless
performances.
Moussa Sissoko - 6
Is expected to leave Newcastle following their relegation to
the Championship, Sissoko has done little to show why he deserves to play for
one of the Premier League's big guns. Possesses pace but is yet to produce the
goods.
Antoine Griezmann - 9
Undoubtedly France's star man this summer, Griezmann is
leading the Euro 2016 goalscoring charts with six goals. His brace in the 2-0
victory over the world champions secured Les Bleus' place in the final - and
you'd back him to play a part in Sunday's finale.
Dimitri Payet - 8
Had a poor performance against Germany but has been one of
France's key men at this tournament. Scored a stunning winner against Romania
in their Group A opener and added further goals against Albania and Iceland.
Olivier Giroud - 7
Has his critics but the Frenchman is proving his doubters
wrong at this tournament. Has three goals, two of which came in that win
against Iceland, but has led the line impressively for France. Puts a shift in
and is a handful for defenders.
TOTAL: 81/110
PORTUGAL
Rui Patricio - 6
Conceded five goals this tournament, three of which came in
the Group F draw with Hungary. He is a handy shot-stopper but questionable when
commanding his penalty box from set-pieces. Has Pepe ahead of him in defence,
which makes his life a lot easier.
Cedric Soares - 6
Southampton man has made the most of his run in the team and
put in impressive performances in France. Perhaps stronger on the attack, with
his defending sometimes questionable, but Portugal have built from the back and
he's part of that stubborn defence.
Pepe - 8
An injury doubt going into Sunday's final and fortunately
for Portugal, Wales didn't make the most of his absence in the semi-final.
Pepe, no stranger to a red card, has stayed away from controversy in France so
far but will undoubtedly want to let the French know they're in for a tough
ride.
Bruno Alves - 6
The veteran defender came in for Pepe to partner Jose Fonte
against Wales and impressed. The 34-year-old is coming to the end of his career
and this could be his last tournament for Portugal, so he'll want to go out
with a bang.
Raphael Guerreiro - 7
The left back, similar to Cedric Soares, is an attacking
threat from the back and provides width for Portugal with Ronaldo and Nani
playing more centrally. Will be in for long evening with Griezmann and Sissoko
looking to get into pockets of space out wide.
Danilo Pereira - 7
Should Danilo Pereira start and play in the holding midfield
berth, he'll provide a road block for their opponents. He breaks up the play
beautifully while Renato Sanches and Joao Mario are the more technically-gifted
players in the middle of the park.
Renato Sanches - 8
Sanches is an energetic box-to-box midfielder who plays with
swagger and self-assurance. It's no coincidence he is considered Portugal's
most exciting prospect since Ronaldo. The 18-year-old, who sealed his move to Bayern
Munich prior to this tournament starting, scored in the win over Poland and is
beginning to show why Europe's biggest clubs were after him.
Joao Mario - 7
The 23-year-old, who has been linked with Manchester United,
is usually a central midfielder but has been deployed out wide by his country.
Mario possesses pace and is an attacking threat and could be key to Portugal's
counter-attacking against France. Missed a glorious chance to score against
Wales.
Nani - 8
To the surprise of many, Nani has played as Portugal's main
striker this summer despite naturally being a winger. But, even more
surprisingly, it's actually worked for the Portuguese. The former Manchester
United man has three goals and his role as the leading striker allows Ronaldo
to drop off and pull the strings when needs be.
Adrien Silva - 6
Born in France, Silva has just 14 caps for Portugal but has
been a consistent performer in the heart of their midfield. Spent his entire
professional career at Sporting Lisbon, he's expected to be chosen ahead of
Joao Moutinho against the country of his birth.
Cristiano Ronaldo - 9
The 31-year-old has had a trophy-laden career at club level
but lacks international silverware ‒ and this summer is perhaps his best chance
to put that right. He showed how desperate he is to secure glory for his
country in the victory over Wales. Ronaldo opened the scoring before providing
the assist for their second against the Welsh - and producing the goods at the
right time.
TOTAL: 78/110
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