Five key battles between France and Portugal ahead of Euro 2016 final

Nani v Samuel Umtiti

Nani popped up against Wales to seal the win last time out for his third of the tournament. Though, this time trying to impede his smart off the ball movement will be young defender Umtiti.

With just two caps to his name, the fledgling Frenchman may seem an easy target for Nani’s nous, but in fact the recent Barcelona signing has reinvigorated Les Bleus’ backline, seamlessly shutting down semi-final opponents Germany.

If Umtiti and rearguard partner Laurent Koscielny can keep outlet Nani quiet, they may also be able to restrict Ronaldo’s options.

Renato Sanches v Paul Pogba

In the present, it is Pogba who is the more polished of the pair (though admittedly older), but Sanches has shown an effortless ability to step up the gears and has arguably been the more consistent in France.

A lovely strike against Poland showed Sanches has more strings to his bow than just passing and high energy patrolling, with Les Bleus needing to look out for his long range rifles.

While, Pogba put in more defensive effort in a midfield duo against Germany, but may well struggle to unleash his attacking prowess in this high pressure situation if impressive Sanches is pressing for the Portuguese.

Pepe v Antoine Griezmann

Much more physical and faster than his compatriots, Pepe can be a bully at the back but, if he is not 100 per cent should he take to the pitch, in-form Griezmann’s movement and intelligence could run the Navigators ragged.

The support striker is seeking a seventh tournament strike and would relish facing a rearguard without Pepe, as the pair having the measure of each other after repeated competitions at club level.

Leading the Euro scoring chart after a brilliant brace against Die Mannschaft, Griezmann should prove a handful for Portugal and is 5/1 to dispatch a double or more again.

Jose Fonte v Olivier Giroud

The centre forward looked lethargic last time out and his form in the competition has been a mixed bag, which could see Fonte mark the striker out of the match.

A Giroud with a point to prove can be dangerous, but Fonte has managed to help Saints silence the sharpshooter in all four of their past Premier League meetings, giving Portugal an edge in this battle.

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