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Euro 2016 : Stars to look forward to in the final

As World awaits the Euro 2016 final between host, France and Portugal scheduled to take place on Sunday July 10, in the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, Paris, in a game that promises to be thrilling as players of both sides get set to slug it out in order to deliver the cup to their country, we take a look at some of the Football stars to look forward to on that day.

 

Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo

wholl-replace-rafa-cristiano-ronaldo-real-madrid_1c4cwl6sxl26q12c62r04bep05Real Madrid all-time goals record holder and 3 time Ballon d’Or winner  will be the centre of attraction for the Portuguese team as he hopes to lead Portugal to their first European Championship victory. He added the extra touch to the Portuguese team and when they needed it in the game against Wales in the semi-final, where he rose to the occasion, scoring via a superb header and influencing the second goal.

Ronaldo who has scored 61 goals so far for Portugal has recorded  3 goals in this tournament and made 3 assist.

According to the daily mail, if he leads a very ordinary Portugal side to a major international honour it would be his greatest achievement.

Fans hope he will once again rise to the occasion as they face a tougher opponent, France in the final.

If he delivers the cup to Portugal he will gain more credit than Argentine star Lionel Messi as too who the greatest is.

 

Nani

Nani
Nani

Former Manchester United winger, who is remembered for his contributions in Man Utd victory over Arsenal, Liverpool in the English premier league has been a major influence for Portugal in this competition.

Nani, who came in as a replacement for Ricardo Quaresma who strained a right thigh muscle in the build up to Euro 2016, has made immense contribution in each of Portugal’s game in the competition so far. He has scored 3 goals and made 1 assist.

The 29 year old who declared Portugal’s 2-0 Euro 2016 semi-final win over Wales “a historic moment for our country” has moved from Turkish side Fenerbahce to Valencia after sealing a deal last week. He remains a top player as far as Portugal is concerned.

 

Pepe

Pepe
Pepe

Real Madrid central defender Képler Laveran Lima Ferreira, commonly known as Pepe, is no doubt another player to watch out far. The 33 year old who is known for his antics on the pitch has been terrific for Portugal as Portugal remains unbeaten in the tournament.

Pepe who was influential in Portugal victory over Poland is in doubt for the final due to injury

 

 

 

France

Antoine Griezmann

Man-United-Man-United-Transfer-News-Man-United-Transfers-Antoine-Griezmann-Antoine-Griezmann-Man-United-Chelsea-News-Chels-614725Athletico Madrid hit-man, is no doubt, the star of the tournament after scoring 6 goals and making assists. He secured the victory against Germany and he is 3 goals shy of  Mitchel Platini 9 goals in a single Euro championship.

The 25 year old was a major hit for Atletico Madrid last season and was instrumental in helping them reach the Champions league final, where they lost to Real Madrid through penalties.

He is among the hottest strikers in the world, with a total of 13 goals and 33 caps for France.

 

Paul Pogba

paul-pogba-497412Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been pretty decent for France at the tournament as Clubs are preparing to break the bank to get his signature. He has be linked with a £100m move to Manchester United.

Paul Pogba, isolated piece of brilliance edge was a major influencer of France second goal against Germany. The 23 year has scored only one goal with no assist so far.

 

Giroud

oliviergiroud-cropped_f4drbmb2dtmc1u4vk6dujaen6Olivier Giroud has used Euro 2016 to prove he still has a lot of goals in his boot. The 29year old who scored 16 goals for Arsenal last season has scored 3 goals and 2 assists in this competition and has made a wonderful partnership with Griezmann in the French attack.

 

Laurent Koscielny

456567741-474131Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has been massive in the French defence throughout this tournament. The 30 year old central defender was outstanding at the back when France won Germany 2-0, as he made some tackles and blocks that prevented the Germans from scoring. He has 35 caps for France.

 

Patrice Evra

Patrice_Evra_2183649bJuventus defender Evra has had a decent run in the competition so far, although he caused a penalty in France opener against Romania. He went on to secure a penalty in the semi final tie aginst Germany when he was tackled by Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Evra, in the Euro 2016, has won nine tackles this season with a success rate of 38%. He has made five interceptions, 26 clearances and two blocks. Fans hopes the 35 year old former Manchester United player brings his experience to the table when they take on Portugal in the final game on Sunday.

Encomium

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