Jose Bosingwa: Portugal Can Beat Anyone, France Are Not Favorites

6 min read
Jul 4, 2024, 6:02 PM

France vs. Portugal: A Clash Without Clear Favourites

EURO 2024 logo is seen ahead of the UEFA EURO 2024 Germany at Leipzig Stadium

EURO 2024 logo is seen ahead of the UEFA EURO 2024 Germany at Leipzig Stadium (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

Former Portugal full-back Jose Bosingwa shares his insights on the highly anticipated last-16 game between Portugal and France, set to take place on July 5th, at 3:00pm ET. Despite France's consistent performance in recent years, including a World Cup win and a strong showing in the last Euros, Bosingwa believes neither team has reached their full potential. Speaking exclusively to Responsible Gambling, he emphasized that this game is a golden opportunity for both teams to showcase their abilities.

Bosingwa downplays the notion of France being favorites, highlighting the unpredictable nature of football and Portugal's potential when they play at their best. He stressed the importance of motivation and preparation for such crucial matches.

"This is football, and anything can happen. For me, there are no favorites. We are Portugal, and when we play well, we can beat anyone."

Bosingwa's confidence stems from his familiarity with the current Portuguese squad and their high motivation for this crucial match. He urges fans to support the team and trust in their ability to deliver on the big stage.

Memories of Chelsea and Life in London

Reflecting on his career, Bosingwa fondly recalls his time at Chelsea, where he won the Champions League in 2012 and played alongside football legends like Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba. He considers his tenure at Chelsea from 2008 to 2012 as some of the best years of his career, cherishing the memories and friendships he made during that period.

"Every top player wants to play at Chelsea. It means a lot for me to be able to play there, make memories, and create bonds that will last a lifetime."

Bosingwa also cherishes his experience living in London, acknowledging how fortunate he was to enjoy such a vibrant and dynamic city. His time in London left a lasting impact, both personally and professionally.

Big Preview: Portugal vs. France

As the clock ticks down to tomorrow's match, Bosingwa’s attention is firmly on the game as he supports Portugal against a formidable France team featuring Kylian Mbappe. Historically, Portugal has a good record against France in recent European Championships, remaining unbeaten in their last two encounters. Cristiano Ronaldo, despite having the most shots at Euro 2024, is yet to score, adding an intriguing subplot to the match.

Portugal has not scored in their last two matches, a rare drought that could end in this critical game. The pressure is on, but there is optimism that Ronaldo and his teammates will rise to the occasion and secure a win.

Statistical Insights

For fans of statistics, Portugal has never failed to score in three consecutive games at a major tournament, suggesting they are due for a breakthrough. On the other hand, France boasts an impressive defensive record, with clean sheets in three of their four games, making them a tough opponent. These contrasting stats set the stage for a fascinating encounter.

The head-to-head history between Portugal and France adds another layer of excitement. This will be their fifth meeting at the European Championship, with Portugal unbeaten in the last two. France, however, won the first two encounters and went on to lift the trophy both times.

The Ronaldo-Mbappe Showdown

This game features a tantalizing matchup between Cristiano Ronaldo, who has declared this his last Euros, and Kylian Mbappe, seen by many as his heir in world football. Ronaldo's recent penalty miss against Slovenia added to the drama, and he will be eager to make amends by leading his team to victory.

"When we go to tournaments, we are expected to win, and that will never change. They just have to find a way to cope, and we have the players to win the game."

Portugal's coach, Roberto Martinez, knows that a win against France could set the stage for another European Championship triumph. History is on their side, as the last four teams to eliminate France at the quarter-final stage of a major tournament have gone on to win the trophy.

Conclusion

As Portugal prepares to face France tomorrow, Bosingwa's words resonate with hope and confidence. He believes in the strength and potential of the Portuguese team, urging them to seize this moment and make their mark. With the right support and determination, Portugal has every chance of advancing and continuing their quest for European glory.

<p>With 20+ years of writing experience across sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups, Sol brings a broad understanding to his role as Editor-in-Chief at RG. His work provides clear, factual information to help readers make informed decisions about gambling. Sol’s approach is about transparency and research, so the content at RG is straightforward, evidence-based, and accessible.</p><p>At RG, Sol keeps the focus on the reader by maintaining a standard of reliability and integrity in the information shared. Under his editorial direction, RG aims to provide practical insights into sports and sports entertainment that support a balanced and informed approach. Sol’s approach has helped RG become a go-to source for readers looking to engage responsibly and thoughtfully in the industry.</p>
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