Portugal is stronger than France

Portugal is stronger than France

PARIS—Cristiano Ronaldo and Antoine Griezmann will meet for another title showdown when Portugal faces France in the European Championship final on Sunday, just six weeks after they contested the Champions League final.

Ronaldo was on the winning side with Real Madrid at the continental showpiece in Milan, with the Portugal captain scoring the decisive spot kick in a penalty shootout against Griezmann’s Atletico Madrid.

This time, Ronaldo could be in for a disappointment.

Not only will France have the host nation crowd behind it at the Stade de France, but Griezmann has been on sparkling form with a tournament-leading six goals — double the tally of Ronaldo, who has toiled and grumbled his way through Portugal’s stodgy campaign.

“We’re thrilled, we feel like kids,” Griezmann said. “We know the whole country is behind us, so we’re giving everything for them.”

Both goals in France’s semifinal victory over World Cup holder Germany were scored by Griezmann, who managed to convert a penalty to ease the pain of missing one in the Champions League final in May.

“He’s had a great tournament but we won’t just be focusing on him,” Portugal midfielder Joao Mario said Friday of Griezmann.

If Griezmann can keep up his scoring run and deliver silverware for his nation, the 25-year-old forward would not only collect his first major trophy but potentially become a challenger to Ronaldo for the Ballon D’Or.