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Antoine Griezmann has said that France will channel the anger against its bet against Hungary and the pain of defeat in the Euro 2016 final to the group finals Portugal.
world champions meet European champions on Wednesday in a game that will shape the course of the tournament for several title contestants. Germany, Portugal and France continue to compete to win Group F and secure an easier route to the semi-finals. Second place could face England at Wembley on Tuesday next week if Gareth Southgates players beat the Czech Republic to win Group D. The Netherlands or Belgium can expect whoever ranks third.
France lost the opportunity to reach the final 16 and confirmed its first place finish on Saturday was held in a draw Hungary in Budapest. Despite scoring 38 goals for Les Bleus, Griezmann was not impressed by the performance of the Puskas Arena and admitted that it requires a reaction from Didier Deschampss against the Portuguese.
We were disappointed, even angry, but it was a complex game at really high temperatures and the ground was very dry, the Barcelona striker said on Sunday. We must react against Portugal. The sooner the match comes, the better it is for everyone.
We need to be there on the ground and we need to work tactically and see where we can offend them. We have a team, a team and staff to do that, but we know it’s not going to be easy and we have to work on the field to get three points and maintain first place.
Griezmann admitted France bears the scars of defeat against Portugal at the Euro 2016 tournament in Paris, even though he believes the defeat could work in favor of world champions. I don’t think the game will change anything, but we’re more hungry [to make amends], and when you’re hungry, big disappointments hurt more. Lose the final at home France is the worst possible thing. It now gives you the passion to go ahead and win this tournament.
It will be a big match against Portugal. The stadium is full, and many of us have our family in the stands, so we have to get three points. We need to maintain first place in the group and give a great presentation to the French supporters.
The meeting with Portugal is of personal significance to Griezmann. His mother’s grandfather, Amaro Lopes, was a Portuguese and professional footballer in Portugal before he moved to France to build. Loyalties will be handed out to his family on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old said: It’s a special match for me because of my family, some of them have Portuguese shirts and the loser is bullied. I am very proud to be able to play France and its great to be able to play against Portugal. My mother is present in the ward because she has managed to make the trip so that it is always a great moment for her. Let’s play against and against a great nation like Portugal [Cristiano] Ronaldo is special. We really tried to win for the French and also for my mother.
It’s wonderful to see my family even from afar. Because of the Covid bubble, they were not allowed to touch or be near them. It’s hard this year for everyone, the players and the staff, but we just have to accept it. It just gives you something extra to go bring the trophy home.
Griezmanns evened out Hungary, so he needs three goals to become France’s third-best scorer alongside Michel Platini. Only Olivier Giroud, 46, and Thierry Henry, 51, have more. The return pales in comparison to Ronaldos ’attempts to overtake Ali Daei as the highest international scorer of all time. The Portuguese captain follows Iranian legends ’bet 109 with two after his goal against Germany.
Ronaldo is a source of inspiration for everyone, Griezmann said. It’s exceptional what he does when he’s 36 years old. No one can touch him. We’re lucky to watch him play. Cristiano is still dominant, he has an excellent scorer and a perfect player who can score on the left, right or with his head. He is a great example for all young players and not so young. He can show many people how to play.
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