Portugal National Football Team vs France National Football Team Timeline: The clash between the Portugal national football team and the France national football team has captivated football fans for decades. Known for its thrilling contests, intense drama, and unforgettable moments, this rivalry has consistently delivered some of the most exciting matches in international football.
With both teams having significant accomplishments on the global stage, their face-offs are more than just matches – they’re battles of pride and prestige.
This article explores the key matches, milestones, and historical moments that define the Portugal vs France football rivalry, focusing on their meetings in major tournaments such as the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup. These encounters have not only shaped the rivalry but also marked turning points for both teams, especially in their rise to football prominence.
Portugal National Football Team vs France National Football Team Timeline: Historical Football Rivalry
The Portugal vs France football rivalry began with their first match in 1926, where France won 4-2. From that point forward, France held a dominant position for decades, consistently defeating Portugal in crucial tournaments.
The early history of this rivalry is marked by France’s superiority, but that all began to change in the early 2000s as Portugal rose in the footballing world with players like Cristiano Ronaldo leading the charge. Despite France’s initial dominance, Portugal’s resilience and growing talent led to some highly competitive encounters.
This rivalry reached its peak during the Euro 2016 final, where Portugal finally secured a significant victory over France, ending years of disappointment. This shift in balance intensified the rivalry, making it one of the most captivating in European football.
Portugal National Football Team: Record Against France
The head-to-head stats between Portugal and France reflect France’s historical dominance, with more wins to their name. However, Portugal has seen a gradual shift in fortunes over the past two decades. By the time of the Euro 2016 final, France had won 18 matches compared to Portugal’s 6 victories, a testament to France’s early control of the rivalry.
Despite this imbalance, the recent successes of the Portugal national football team have been crucial in reshaping the rivalry. Their dramatic victory at Euro 2016 is proof of how Portugal has grown into a formidable team, capable of taking down even the strongest opponents like France on the biggest stages.
Key Milestones in Portugal vs France Football History
One of the most important milestones in this rivalry is the Euro 1984 semifinal, where France triumphed 3-2 in extra time, with Michel Platini scoring the winning goal. This defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for Portugal, as they were so close to reaching the final.
Another key moment came in the Euro 2000 semifinal, where France again knocked out Portugal with a golden goal by Zinedine Zidane, leaving Portugal heartbroken once more. Fast forward to 2016, and everything changed for Portugal. In a dramatic Euro 2016 final, Portugal stunned France with a 1-0 victory in extra time, thanks to a goal from Eder.
This victory marked Portugal’s first major international trophy and cemented their place as one of Europe’s elite football nations. These milestones reflect the ups and downs of the rivalry, each contributing to the narrative of these two football giants.
Year
Match
Competition
Key Outcome
1984
France 3-2 Portugal (AET)
Euro 1984 Semifinals
France advanced to final
2000
France 2-1 Portugal (AET, Golden Goal)
Euro 2000 Semifinals
Zidane’s penalty sent France to final
2006
France 1-0 Portugal
FIFA World Cup Semifinals
Zidane’s penalty led to France win
2016
Portugal 1-0 France (AET)
Euro 2016 Final
Eder’s goal won Portugal’s first Euro
2020
Portugal 2-2 France
UEFA Euro 2020 (Group Stage)
Match ended in a thrilling draw
Notable Matches Between Portugal and France
Over the years, Portugal vs France matches have consistently been filled with drama, skill, and unforgettable moments. One such match was the 2006 FIFA World Cup semifinal, where a penalty by Zinedine Zidane gave France a 1-0 win over Portugal.
This match was a crucial step for France on their way to the final, while for Portugal, it was another close call in a major tournament. Another memorable match was during the UEFA Nations League in 2020, where both teams played a tense 0-0 draw, showcasing their defensive strengths and tactical prowess.
These matches not only highlight the fierce competition between the teams but also the high level of football both nations are known for.
Euro 1984 Semifinals: France Triumph Over Portugal
In the Euro 1984 semifinal, held on June 23, 1984, France managed a thrilling 3-2 win over Portugal after extra time. It was a heartbreaking loss for Portugal, especially as they had taken a 2-1 lead during the extra period. Michel Platini’s decisive goal in the 119th minute sent France to the final, marking one of the earliest memorable encounters between the two teams.
This match solidified France’s dominance in the rivalry during the early years, but for Portugal, it was the beginning of their long quest to overcome their French counterparts in crucial matches. The intensity of this match is still remembered by fans today as a pivotal moment in European football history.
Statistic
France
Portugal
Goals Scored
3
2
Shots on Target
8
5
Ball Possession (%)
55%
45%
Corners
6
4
Fouls
18
22
Key Players
Platini (1 Goal, MOTM)
Jordão (2 Goals)
Euro 2000 Semifinals: Golden Goal Defeat for Portugal
The Euro 2000 semifinal is another match that left Portuguese fans heartbroken. Held on June 28, 2000, France once again emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, this time courtesy of a Zinedine Zidane golden goal in extra time.
Portugal had been leading for much of the match, but a late penalty awarded in extra time gave Zidane the chance to secure the win, which he did with trademark calmness.
This defeat marked the second time in 16 years that Portugal was denied a place in the European Championship final by France. However, it also set the stage for future encounters between the two teams, as Portugal sought to reverse their fortunes against their French rivals.
Statistic
France
Portugal
Goals Scored
2
1
Shots on Target
7
6
Ball Possession (%)
51%
49%
Corners
5
5
Fouls
16
19
Key Players
Zidane (Golden Goal)
Nuno Gomes (1 Goal)
2006 FIFA World Cup Semifinals: Zidane’s Decisive Penalty
In the 2006 FIFA World Cup semifinal, held on July 5, 2006, Zinedine Zidane once again played the hero for France. A first-half penalty, converted by Zidane, gave France a narrow 1-0 victory over Portugal, sending them to the final.
This was a frustrating result for Portugal, who had reached the semifinals for the first time since 1966, only to be halted by a moment of magic from one of football’s greatest players. Despite the loss, Portugal’s performance in the tournament showed their growing strength as a footballing nation.
This semifinal clash further deepened the rivalry between the two nations and would be one of the final appearances for Zidane in international football before his retirement.
Statistic
France
Portugal
Goals Scored
1
0
Shots on Target
5
4
Ball Possession (%)
53%
47%
Corners
4
6
Fouls
20
21
Key Players
Zidane (1 Goal, Penalty)
Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal’s Historic Win: Euro 2016 Final Against France
Arguably the most significant moment in the Portugal vs France rivalry came on July 10, 2016, in the Euro 2016 final. Held in Paris, the match saw Portugal stun the home favorites France with a 1-0 victory after extra time. Eder’s long-range strike in the 109th minute secured Portugal’s first-ever European Championship, marking a historic triumph for the nation.
This victory was especially remarkable as Cristiano Ronaldo was forced off the field due to injury in the first half. Portugal’s resilience and determination to win, even without their talisman, made this moment all the more special. For Portugal, this victory was the culmination of years of hard work, and it marked a turning point in their rivalry with France.
Statistic
France
Portugal
Goals Scored
0
1
Shots on Target
7
3
Ball Possession (%)
55%
45%
Corners
10
3
Fouls
16
12
Key Players
Griezmann, Lloris
Rui Patrício, Eder
Recent Encounters: UEFA Nations League and Euro 2020
In recent years, Portugal and France have continued their intense rivalry through competitions like the UEFA Nations League and Euro 2020. During the UEFA Nations League in 2020, both teams played out a goalless draw, with each side demonstrating their defensive strength and tactical discipline.
These encounters showed that the rivalry was still alive and well, with both teams continuing to battle for supremacy. In Euro 2020, the two teams met once again in the group stage, with the match ending in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice for Portugal, while Karim Benzema netted twice for France, ensuring the teams shared the spoils. These recent matches demonstrate that even after decades, the Portugal vs France football rivalry remains one of the most exciting in international football.
Portugal vs France: Statistical Breakdown of Matches
Over the course of their rivalry, Portugal and France have faced each other more than 25 times in official matches. France has won the majority of these encounters, with more than 18 victories to their name.
However, Portugal’s recent success, particularly in the Euro 2016 final, has added a new dimension to the rivalry, with Portugal now seen as more than capable of matching their French counterparts.
The win-loss record between the two teams highlights the competitive nature of their rivalry. While France still holds the upper hand statistically, Portugal’s recent performances show that the balance of power may be shifting in their favor.
First Match: Portugal vs France, 1926 (France won 4-2)
Most Famous Match: Euro 2016 final (Portugal won 1-0)
Largest Win: France 5-0 Portugal, 1978
Total Matches Played: 28 official encounters
Recent Match: Euro 2020 group stage (2-2 draw)
Final Thoughts
The Portugal vs France football rivalry is a fascinating chapter in the history of international football. From Euro 1984 to the Euro 2016 final, these two teams have provided fans with unforgettable moments. Although France has historicallyThe Portugal vs France football rivalry is one of European football’s most compelling matchups, shaped by decades of intense competition.
France historically dominated the rivalry, particularly in key moments like the Euro 1984 and Euro 2000 semifinals, where Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane led France to victories over Portugal. However, Portugal’s moment of triumph came in the Euro 2016 final, when Eder scored the winning goal in extra time, marking Portugal’s first major tournament win.
These teams have faced each other more than 25 times, with France winning the majority of matches. However, Portugal’s recent successes, including their Euro 2016 victory, have begun to balance the scales in this fierce rivalry. Each match showcases tactical brilliance, defensive strength, and thrilling moments, keeping fans on edge.
FAQS
How many times have Portugal and France faced each other in football?
Portugal and France have played each other over 25 times. France has historically won more matches, but Portugal has had significant victories, including their win in the Euro 2016 final.
What was the most notable match between Portugal and France?
The most memorable encounter is arguably the Euro 2016 final, where Portugal defeated France 1-0 in extra time to win their first major international trophy. Eder scored the decisive goal.
How did Portugal win the Euro 2016 final against France?
Despite losing their captain Cristiano Ronaldo early in the match due to injury, Portugal won the Euro 2016 final in extra time with a stunning long-range goal by Eder. Rui Patrício’s goalkeeping and Portugal’s resilient defense also played a crucial role.
What is France’s record against Portugal in major tournaments?
France has a favorable record against Portugal in major tournaments, particularly in the Euro 1984, Euro 2000 semifinals, and the 2006 FIFA World Cup semifinals. However, Portugal claimed victory in the Euro 2016 final, marking a major turning point in their rivalry.
When was the first match between Portugal and France?
The first recorded match between Portugal and France took place in 1926, with France winning 4-2. Since then, the teams have clashed numerous times across various competitions, including friendlies, the UEFA European Championship, and the FIFA World Cup.
