Former Portuguese international Pedro Mendes shares his Portugal v France prediction with us here at BoyleSports ahead of this massive Euro 2024 quarter-final clash.
The game has the makings of an epic in a rematch of the Euro 2016 Final and what could be Ronaldo’s last-ever match at the European Championship.
Mendes also offers us a fascinating insight into the reaction of the Portuguese public to Ronaldo’s performances so far, a potential fairytale ending to his club career plus who he is backing to go all the way in Euro 2024.
Portugal v France Prediction
Portugal vs France is a rematch of the 2016 final and I hope it will have the same result. They are two great teams and this could easily be a final. France are playing well, but Portugal haven’t been.
The best game was against Turkey, against Georgia and Slovakia they were poor, but every game is different and hopefully it will be a different story.
Portugal normally play well against teams that want to play which leaves an open game, that could be the case in their quarter-final. Portugal definitely need to step up and be at their best against France and we do have a fantastic squad.
I think it's a 50-50 game. Both teams have a chance to go through and hopefully Portugal will do it.
It will be a game with goals, we both have fantastic players up front as well as good defenders, but so many players who can create and finish chances - neither side will want this to go to penalties.
I am predicting goals and a 2-1 win for Portugal.
*Portugal are 23/20 underdogs to advance to the semi-finals and knockout France per the latest football odds at BoyleSports.
What Is the Feeling About Cristiano Ronaldo’s Performances in Portugal?
Cristiano Ronaldo has come so close, inches away from scoring. In terms of the penalty you have to say fair play to Jan Oblak, it was a fantastic save.
The good thing is that the chances are coming and he’s been so close, hopefully against France he can get his goal.
Sporting Lisbon Would Be Fairytale Ending For Ronaldo
I think the perfect ending will be with Sporting, where everything started.
He has had an amazing career and Sporting would provide him with a romantic ending. He is one of the two best footballers of all time and to finish where it all started would be perfect.
The Impact of a Cristiano Ronaldo Move To Join Messi at Inter Miami
If Cristiano Ronaldo joined Inter Miami it would be amazing for the fans and incredible for football in America.
It would mean that the two best players in the history and future of football, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi would finish their careers together which would be a dream come true.
However, I can’t see it happening. It would be very difficult.
Could Ronaldo Become a Coach After Playing Career Ends?
Cristiano Ronaldo is a very competitive guy with so many ideas about the game, but I have no idea if he wants to do his badges and move into coaching.
But we have seen fantastic players becoming great managers like Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso so you never know.
Euro 2024 Winner Prediction
I think Portugal will win Euro 2024, we have the players, we have the staff, we have the ability. We have everything we need to win the trophy again.
With England, I think they have already had their luck against Slovakia in Jude Bellingham’s right foot. The performances have been so poor, something isn’t right there at the moment.
Having said that, sometimes you need a moment like Bellingham’s goal to put a spark into a team and give the players the joy and then the motivation that they need.
Also, England’s side of the tournament is a much easier route on paper, all the big names on the other side in Germany, France, Spain and Portugal are going to knock each other out.
If England were on that side I would say they would struggle and although they have a big test in Switzerland, England have a really good chance to get to the final. The door is open.
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