French star Kylian Mbappe and Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo face off in a tumultuous quarter-final today in Hamburg, as part of the European Football Cup, which also witnesses an early final, in a fiery confrontation of heavy caliber between host Germany and Spain.
The first encounter brings together two of the most prominent teams who were expected to compete for the title, but they have not been completely convincing so far.
France have reached the quarter-finals for the sixth time in their last seven major tournaments, despite not scoring a goal from open play. They have scored just three goals in four games, one from a penalty by Mbappé and two from own goal, including Jan Vertonghen’s goal that allowed Les Bleus to beat Belgium 1-0 in the last 16. Portugal, by contrast, reached this stage after needing penalties to beat Slovenia, with Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa saving three spot kicks, but the match will also be remembered for Ronaldo’s tears after missing a penalty in extra time.
In contrast, the two strongest attacking teams, and the most prominent candidates for the title, face off in Stuttgart, when Germany plays, led by veterans Toni Kroos and captain Manuel Neuer, while Spain, who have put in strong performances, have a constellation of talent, led by young stars Williams and Lamine Yamal, in addition to the experienced element in midfielder Rodri, defender Carvajal and others. Spain qualified from the first round with a full mark, then defeated Georgia in the round of 16 4-1, while Germany qualified from the first round with 7 points, then won 2-0 against Denmark in the round of 16.
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