France take on Portugal in the Euro 2016 final on Sunday in what promises to be a titanic battle.
Oh, who are we kidding?
Portugal are going to play the same blasé football that they have for the entire tournament, and we can only hope that France break their defense early enough to make them come out of their shell. Otherwise, get ready for a long battle of attrition, and possibly penalties.
Anyways, following that cheery outlook on proceedings, let's take a look at some of the interesting facts coming into this match.
Photo: @SkySports | Twitter
France have won the last ten meetings between these two teams. The last time Portugal won was at the Parc De Princes in 1975.
France coach Didier Deschamps could become the first person to win the European Championships as a manager and a player.
Deschamps lifts the Euro 2000 trophy with France. Photo: @footballscrolls | Twitter
English referee Mark Clattenburg will be taking charge of Sunday's match. He also took charge of the UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
France have won the three competitive matches between the two: in the 1984 Euros, the 2000 Euros and the 2006 World Cup.
Both France and Portugal have had an equal amount of shots on target, although France have the superior goal difference at +9 compared to Portugal's +3.
Portugal's penalty shoot-out record in tournaments stands at W3, L1, while France's is W3, L3.
However, only one Euro final has gone to penalties, in 1976 when Czechoslovakia beat Germany 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
Ricardo Carvalho and Cristiano Ronaldo could set a new record by being the first players to play in two Euro finals 12 years apart.
Only five of the previous 14 Euro finals have not been settled by 90 minutes.
Only three teams have come from behind to win the final. France (2000); Germany (1996); Soviet Union (1960).
France should definitely be considered the favorites for this one, but Portugal are certainly not going to make it easy, as they have proven so far in this tournament. France will have to come up with something special to coax Portugal out of their shell, and meanwhile, Ronaldo and company will be waiting to pounce on the break, as they have done so effectively time and time again.
Prediction: 2-1 to the hosts.
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