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In their second meeting in the space of a couple of weeks, Nations League champions Portugal welcomed reigning world champions France to an empty Estadio da Luz in a key game in the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League.
After a first-half that produced several openings, the game got its first goal in the 53rd minute when N’Golo Kante stabbed home from close range. Despite more chances for both sides, there were no more goals in the game.
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The result effectively confirmed France as the Group A3 winners while sending out the Nations League holders crashing out of the tournament. On that note, let's have a look at the five talking points from France’s 1-0 win over Portugal.
#5 Anthony Martial was wasteful against Portugal
Anthony Martial, the Manchester United striker, has struggled to keep his place in the national side, and his performance against Portugal in Lisbon showed why is not an automatic starter for Les Bleus.
His lack of composure and wastefulness in front of goal saw him miss as many as three clear-cut chances in the first-half, despite attempting four shots on goal, which was more than anybody else in the game.
Despite his poor showing in the first half, Didier Deschamps allowed him to grace the field for the start of the second. However, with Martial's performances not improving, the 24-year-old was susbstituted in the 77th minute for a more dangerous-looking threat in Olivier Giroud.
Overall, Anthony Martial lost possession six times, missed four chances and attempted no dribbles in a dreadful display against Portugal.
#4 Is Joao Felix the heir apparent to Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo?
People seem to forget that Joao Felix is only 21 years old. So much expectation and hype has been placed on his shoulders, with many tipping him to be the next Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 21-year-old youngster, who was swopped up for £113million by Atletico Madrid, has shone in glimpses for the national team, scoring two goals in 12 senior appearances.
Against France, he was one of the few in red that looked like making things happen. It’s this kind of responsibility that he will soon have to assume, as his more illustrious compatriot, Cristiano Ronaldo, is nearing the end of his illustrious career.
#3 Paul Pogba outshone his Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes
Teammates at Manchester United and rivals on the international stage, Manchester United’s two marquee midfielders - Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes - did battle at the Estadio da Luz.
They were both tasked with being the creative hubs of their respective teams, and both were also seen to be pressing off the ball. At times, the duo ended up pressing each other due to the pair’s insistence on dropping deep to conduct play.
It was a fascinating encounter between two midfielders at opposite ends of the media coverage spectrum. In a surprising turn of events, it was Pogba who put in a better performance. The Frenchman maintained an 88% pass accuracy and won nine duels; in contrast, Fernandes completed only a measly 70% of his passes and won only three duels for Portugal.
#2 Antoine Griezmann shone against Portugal
Although he’s been enduring a torrid time at his club, Antoine Griezmann excelled in a false nine role against Portugal. Playing behind the quick duo of Kingsley Coman and Martial, Griezmann stationed himself in between the lines, acting as the link between attack and midfield.
He also dropped deep into midfield at times and found himself on the shoulder of the last defender to keep Portugal guessing. In an accomplished performance, the 29-year-old completed 87% of his passes, won five duels, created three chances and completed one dribble.
Maybe, it’s not Griezmann who needs to step up, maybe it’s Ronald Koeman who needs to learn how to best use the Frenchman.
#1 Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo drew a blank
At the moment, Cristiano Ronaldo seems to have set his sight on becoming the all-time top scorer in international football. He currently stands on 102 goals for his country, seven away from the record.
It only looks like a matter of time before he achieves the monumental feat, but against France, the 35-year-old drew a blank against a resilient Les Bleus defence.
Ronaldo, arguably the greatest player of all time, was restricted to just five shots, four of them being off target. He also struggled to find space, and his chances were constrained to snapshots of a low xG rating.
Portugal lost at home for the first time in 19 games, but one can be rest assured that Ronaldo and co. will be back.
