Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Portugal could line up for Friday’s Euro 2024 quarter-final against France.
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez should have all of his players available for selection for Friday’s Euro 2024 quarter-final against France at the Volskparkstadion in Hamburg.
The Selecao needed the drama of penalties to sink Slovenia in Monday’s last-16 tie, where they were held to a 0-0 draw after 120 minutes before Diogo Costa wrote his hero arc with three stops in the shootout.
As Costa rejoiced in his achievements, Cristiano Ronaldo breathed one of the biggest sighs of relief in his career, having seen his extra-time penalty kept out by Jan Oblak before making amends with his second spot kick of the night.
The 39-year-old is still yet to score at the European Championships – despite firing 20 shots – but there is almost no chance of Martinez considering a change in the number nine slot.
Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes – both of whom also netted in the shootout – will reprise their roles in attack too, as should Rafael Leao, despite both Diogo Jota and Francisco Conceicao knocking on the door.
The pivot pairing of Vitinha and Joao Palhinha should remain untouched too, as should the defensive wall of Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Ruben Dias and 41-year-old Pepe.
Fresh from becoming the first goalkeeper to save three penalties in one shootout at the men’s Euros, Costa’s stock is rising by the game, and the in-demand Porto man now seeks to repel Kylian Mbappe and co.
Portugal possible starting lineup:
Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Pepe, Mendes; Palhinha, Vitinha; Silva, Fernandes, Leao; Ronaldo
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