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 a few things to look forward to in the big Euro 2016 final.
5) Renato Sanches to explode against France !
The big breakout star of the Euros, Renato Sanches will be looking forward to really explode in the Euro 2016 final. 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.
4) Paul Pogba to enhance his reputation !
Paul Pogba came in to the tournament as one of the best midfielders in the world. But all that went for a toss when he started poorly which led to him being dropped against Albania. Since he was dropped his performances have improved slowly but still not up to the everyone’s expectations.
With the news of him being involved in a 100 million transfer to Manchester United, Pogba is expected to be one of the stars against Portugal. All eyes will be on him as he will be stopping and then dictating the play for the French.
3) The Dimitri Payet show to continue !
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) Griezmann to score again !
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 against Portugal. My money is on him to score again.
1) Ronaldo‘s date with destiny !
While watching Portugal you get the feeling that there is a Portuguese angel sitting on top of the goal who has guided them through to the Euro 2016 final. Without particularly playing well, they have reached the final by beating more fancied teams along the way.
We have always mentioned how this may be the last opportunity for Ronaldo to win something with his country. Portugal has had luck along the way for sure, but they have also picked their moments to shine and strike a telling blow.
