The Final: France vs Portugal Euro 2016 Final recap.

Versatile France

France would use all of their tools to dominate the first half action. They would once again set up in a 4–2–3–1 and would overall dominate the first half with a defensively competent performance and explosive attacks taking various attacking paths. France would look to achieve these explosive attacks by changing the tempo centrally. This would change from Sissoko dribbling to direct balls into Giroud who would look to create quick interchanges with Payet/Coman etc.

Versatility would also come in their defensive performance. They would toy with high pressure during the game and falling back into two solid compact banks of 4. France would often drop into a 4–4–2 with Griezmann and Giroud the furthest forward to apply pressure.

However, with all of the versatility being played with by France they would not ask the fullbacks to attack, which did limit a big part of their strength which was to overload the flanks and stretch a team.

Sissoko

Once again, Sissoko would prove his worth. Arguably one of/if not the most important player on the pitch for France. This isn’t to do with ability, but instead the role he is asked, which I believe was the most important on the pitch and he would fit that role perfectly again. Sissoko would be asked not to hug the touchline that a more traditional wide-player would take, but he was asked to tuck in almost as another central midfielder. This would not only provide cover and cut off a Portuguese counter-attack, but it would also allow the fullbacks to move forward later in the game.

Man-Marking

Portugal would be set out very defensively and would look to counter-attack. However, it would be very man-orientated with defenders following their man. This is very easily exploited and once again this was down to Sissoko who would dribble through the midfield and force Portuguese defenders into 50/50 decisions of whether to pressure him or stay with their man.

Eder

Now also known as “Portuguese national hero” changed a lot of the game for Portugal. He provided a lot of energy and movement upfront and took up the role of a ‘nuisance striker’ who would look to pressure France over and over again and look for mistakes, which he saw with the lack of pressure and would take his goal magnificently.

Wasted

As much as Portugal would defend well and fix their man-orientated system allowing for a more compact shape, I feel like France let themselves down a bit by playing far too conservatively. The main example was with Paul Pogba. He was restricted with his much deeper role tonight and wasn’t able to fully contribute offensively and I argue this really limited France.

Unpredictable

Overall this has been one of the most enjoyable European Championships, not purely for the football, but with how unpredictable this tournament has been altogether. Portugal would evolve from an attacking unit to a counter-attacking unit over the tournament and it has led them from 3rd place in the group to champions. 2015/2016 football has ended with an unpredictable tournament like the season itself.