Portugal vs. France – 2016 Euro Cup Final Predictions, Picks and Betting Preview – July 10, 2016

Offensive Edge – France (-109)

France’s offensive weapons didn’t exactly fire on all cylinders against Germany like they did during their 5-2 demolition of Iceland in the quarterfinals. They were on the back foot for most of the semifinal as they ceded possession to the world champions. But they were able to capitalize on the Germans’ mistakes, which was enough to get the 2-0 win.

Antoine Griezmann scored both goals, and with six in the tournament, he now looks set to win the Golden Boot as the Euros’ top scorer. Their sheer offensive talent – with Griezmann, Olivier Giroud, Dimitri Payet and Paul Pogba – should also provide more than enough firepower to trouble a stubborn Portuguese defense.

Portugal’s offense, though, isn’t the misfiring mess many have seen for much of the tournament. After lacking sharpness up front in the first two knockout rounds, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani finally provided a bit of quality in their 2-0 win over Wales in the semifinals. The Portuguese will be all too happy to play on the counterattack and look to expose France’s still-questionable defense.

Defensive Edge – Portugal (+292)

Portugal’s defense has been very impressive for most of the tournament. Excluding their wild 3-3 draw with Hungary, they have conceded just two goals in their other five games. Portugal’s strategy during the knockout phase has been more cautious, and should remain that way in the final.

But that defense should be boosted by the return of a couple of key players in center-back Pepe (injury) and defensive midfielder William Carvalho (suspension), who both missed the semifinal against Wales.

Meanwhile, France’s defense is widely considered the team’s weakness, and is likely just a notch below Portugal’s. But that much-maligned unit has silenced some doubters in the last two games. Samuel Umtiti, in particular, has stepped up incredibly well at center-back. However, it should be noted that France’s midfield was overrun against Germany, and is still not completely convincing.

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