So here we are! After all the drama, all the controversy and all the speculation over the last four weeks it has all come down to this. Host nation and pre – tournament favorites France will take on unexpected finalists Portugal in the Stade de France in Paris. Here are the top 5 players to look forward to in the big Euro 2016 final Portugal vs France.
5) Olivier Giroud
The much maligned French forward has had a really good tournament leading the line for France. Booed in the early stages of the tournament, Giroud has managed to win over his critics with his work ethic and goals.
Giroud will be looking to man handle the likes of Pepe and Fonte against Portugal. His physical play will be keep the defenders busy and the likes of Griezmann and Payet will look to use the space in front.
4) Renato Sanches
The big breakout star of the Euros, Renato Sanches will be looking forward to really explode in the Euro 2016 final Portugal vs France. While he has already played much beyond anyone’s expectations he is yet to really run a match.
While you should not put so much pressure on an 18 year old, the midfield battle could be the place where the match is won or lost. But Sanches has already shown that he has the ability as well as the composure to handle the pressure.
3) Dimitri Payet
One year ago Dimitri Payet was a relative unknown who had just completed a move to West Ham. Now he is one of the stars the Euro after a sensational debut season in England. Skill, dribbling, technique, goals you name it… Payet has got the entire package.
In what should be a tight match in Paris, Payet’s dribbling skills will be important if France need to find spaces in the tight Portuguese defense. How he performs will go a long way in deciding who will win the match.
2) Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo has a chance to write a new chapter in his legendary career tonight against Portugal. In what may be his last chance to win something with his country Ronaldo will be inspired when he leads his nation out against France.
You just get the feel that it his destiny to win something. It is in his DNA to be a winner, which makes this a huge occasion for him and his country. And a huge occasion for CR7 himself.
1) Antoinne Griezmann
After a subdued start to his Euro campaign, Griezmann has exploded in the knockout stages for France. Superb goals against Ireland was backed with a Man of the Match performance against Germany in the semi final.
He looks in red hot form at the moment and France will need him to be at his very best in the big Euro 2016 final Portugal vs France. My money is on him to score again.
