Which players from the two European giants would be selected in a combined XI?
Following this afternoon’s tasty clash between Brazil and Argentina we have another big game between two footballing giants.
Portugal take on France in Paris, and both sides are full of top quality players and amazing youngsters. Fernando Santos has replaced Paulo Bento and may well choose to give some left-field choices their chance for Portugal.
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In this XI we imagine we can pick from both nations’ enormous pool of talent.While Portugal have often been just a striker away from being at the top level, France has sometimes missed some Portuguese midfield to get them through tough knockout games.
How would this team fare against current World Champions Germany?
GK: Hugo Lloris – Tottenham Hotspur
The Frenchman won’t be playing tonight, but takes his place in our team between the sticks. He is pushed close by Portuguese keeper Rui Patricio, who is somehow still at Sporting CP despite years of outstanding performances.RB: Cedric Soares – Sporting CP
The Portuguese right-back is set to make his senior debut tonight, and slots straight into our team on grounds of form, as well as potential. He has had an excellent start to the season, unlike France’s Bacary Sagna, who has barely played since his move to Manchester City.CB: Pepe – Real Madrid
The reviled Real Madrid defender can be wild at times, but is a beast at the back, able to clash with any centre-forward and win, and a real threat at attacking set pieces. He will also benefit from playing alongside his club partner…CB: Rafael Varane – Real Madrid
The Frenchman is perhaps the most talented young centre-back in the world, and will provide pace and composure alongside Pepe’s physicality.LB: Patrice Evra – Juventus
After leaving Manchester United after some patchy form in the last few seasons, Evra has undergone a renaissance in Turin, forcing fans’ favourite Kwadwo Asamoah out of the team and bringing real European experience to the side.DM; William Carvalho – Sporting CP
The much coveted Sporting midfielder is apparently being chased by every major club in the world. The rangy anchor man will shield our defence and provide a platform for the other midfielders to attack from.CM: Blaise Matuidi – PSG
The dynamic French midfielder has been in amazing form for club and country over the last year, and has not allowed himself to be pushed out of the PSG team by the endless superstar arrivals at the club.CM: Joao Moutinho – Monaco
The former Porto midfielder has fallen off the radar somewhat at Monaco, but always comes up with the goods for Portugal when it matters. Too often let down by poor teammates around him, he won’t have that problem in this side.RW: Antione Griezmann – Atletico Madrid
After years of hype, Griezmann has finally made the switch from Real Sociedad, moving to Atletico in the summer. He hasn’t disappointed his new club, and he has broken into the new look France team too.LW: Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid
The Portuguese goal-machine has lacked the players around him to win the World Cup he really deserves, and he would certainly have a chance with this lineup.ST: Karim Benzema – Real Madrid
Portugal have famously lacked great strikers in recent years, but that won’t be a problem with Madrid forward Benzema in the team. The Frenchman has scored 24 in 73 for France, and would get a lot more for this side.