The Stade Velodrome in Marseille hosts the first quarter-final of the Euro 2016 when Poland take on Portugal in a bid to reach the last four of the 15th edition of the European…
ADVERTISEMENTThe Stade Velodrome in Marseille hosts the first quarter-final of the Euro 2016 when Poland take on Portugal in a bid to reach the last four of the 15th edition of the European Championship.
Poland’s midfield ranks will be boosted by the return from suspension of Bartosz Kapustka, while Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, who is still without a goal in the tournament, has reportedly shaken off a minor thigh injury and will feature.
This will be Poland and Portugal’s third meeting at a major tournament but first in the European Championship.
Despite their poor form in France so far, Portugal remain unbeaten in 11 competitive games under coach Fernando Santos.
In Marseille, Cristiano Ronaldo will play a record-extending 19th Euro finals game and will be looking to equal, if not surpass, Michel Platini’s record of nine career goals in the competition.
The winners of this quarter-final will move on to a semi-final against either Wales or Belgium, who play on Friday.
Italy currently have 11 players in the book on one yellow each and on the verge of suspension while two more yellows were issued to Thiago Motta which means he’ll be watching his side’s tie with Germany from the stands.
Among those Italian players one yellow away from a one-match ban are Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Éder, Lorenzo Insigne and Graziano Pellè.