Portugal and France are set to clash in the quarterfinals of the European Championship on Friday, featuring a showdown between two soccer giants: Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé. The winner will advance to face either Spain or host nation Germany in the semifinals. Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. local time (1900 GMT) in Hamburg. Here’s a breakdown of the crucial aspects of the match:

Favourites struggling

Both Portugal and France entered the tournament as favourites but have had mixed performances. Portugal failed to score in their last two matches. In fact, they scraped through, by securing a penalty shootout win over Slovenia. The match ended in a (0-0) draw after full-time.

Scoring woes

France has also struggled to score from open play at Euro 2024, with two own-goals and a penalty by Mbappé accounting for their goals so far.

Ronaldo’s farewell Euro

Cristiano Ronaldo, appearing in his record sixth European Championship, was visibly emotional after missing a penalty against Slovenia. The 39-year-old is yet to score in the tournament.

Mbappé's injury

Kylian Mbappé will play wearing a protective mask due to a broken nose sustained in France's opening match against Austria. His coach hinted he might need the mask for an extended period.

Historic context

The match coincides with the 18th anniversary of their meeting in the 2006 World Cup semifinals, where Zinedine Zidane's penalty sent France to the final.

Suspensions

France will miss midfielder Adrien Rabiot due to suspension, likely prompting Antoine Griezmann to drop into central midfield. Portugal has no injury concerns or suspensions.

Bookings concerns

Mbappé and three other French players risk missing the semifinals if booked again. Ronaldo and five other Portuguese players face the same predicament.

Defensive record

France has conceded only one goal in the tournament so far, a retaken penalty by Poland's Robert Lewandowski.

Goal-scoring record

Mbappé has scored 48 goals for France, far behind Ronaldo's men's record of 130 international goals.

Recent encounters

This will be their third consecutive meeting at the European Championship, with Portugal winning their 2016 final encounter and drawing in the 2021 group stage.

Ronaldo's form

Despite numerous attempts, Ronaldo has yet to find the net at Euro 2024, having taken 20 shots.

While France assistant coach Guy Stephan acknowledged the team's scoring difficulties, Portugal's Nuno Mendes expressed determination to give Ronaldo a fitting farewell in his last Euro.

The showdown promises to be a battle of experience and talent, with both teams aiming to overcome their recent struggles and secure a spot in the tournament's semifinals. AP