LIVEBLOG (LIVESTEEM) Portugal - France - EURO2016 Soccer Finals

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The Game sofar:
0-0

21:40
Because of their inability to create attacks as a group, Portugal are relying more on individual quality. Renato Sanches' excellent dribble there was a brilliant example. Without many team-mates supporting through passing options, the young midfielder took it on himself and dribbled through the lines in order to create an attack.

21:40
The midfield 5 are often on the same line across the field with the wingers slightly higher. Because of this straight line, it's near-impossible to create triangles and higher quantities of passing options for the ball-carrier. With Portugal restricted to a more horizontal ball circulation, their attacks become more focused towards the wider areas.

21:35
Portugal's man-orientations are disrupted by Sissoko, who continues to move away from his right wing and create overloads in the centre. (Sissoko's heatmap, courtesy of Squawka.com)

21:35
Portugal's weak collective positioning is yet again making for a disconnected attack. Their lack of presence between the lines makes it difficult to circulate the ball in a progressive manner. As a result, their possession is lacking threat in the first 30 minutes of the game with little penetration on show.

21:28
How will Portugal cope without their star man? Their attacking strategy this tournament has been based around relying on the individual talent of their forwards. Will they adapt without their talisman?

21:27
With Quaresma coming on for Ronaldo, the Portuguese seem to have shifted to a 4-3-3, with Nani as the sole striker. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

21:23
Sissoko found a gap in space as Portugal had an orientation issue between Nani and Silva. The lack of team-mate support as a result of the man-marking made for little cover in the midfield zone and the Frenchman took advantage.

21:23
At times France's positioning is too focused on the last line meaning they struggle to progress or access the ten space. They often wait until the ball moves wide before the likes of Griezmann drop into that zone.

21:17
Sissoko's movement infield could be very useful in creating central overloads for France. Regarding their build up, France will need to make sure they don't keep both centre-midfielders behind the block.

21:16
Pogba has resumed his position as the deepest midfielder during build-up. He proved to be very effective in dictating the construction of possession against Iceland - can he recreate such a performance for the final?

21:15
Portugal are once again covering their man closely when defending out of possession. Each midfielder uses the opponent as the primary reference point and they're not showing a great deal of flexibility in doing so. Will France be able to exploit this through the dynamic midfield movements which has brought them success in the past?

21:12
Lack of ball-orientation from Joao Mario is creating a large disconnect in midfield when Portugal build play on the right.

21:12
France's dynamic attack is again on show with Sissoko and Griezmann in particular very flexible in their positioning and movement. This will be key in breaking down their opponents.

21:08
Portugal maintain their flexible shape in possession with dynamic positioning of the three midfielders ahead of William. Will they be able to create more connections through the structure than in previous showings?

21:06
France managed to break through when Ronaldo temporarily swapped position with Nani, and failed to fill the space vacated when Renato Sanches moved wide.

21:04
Portugal are defending again in a 4-1-2-1-2 as they did against Wales. With Silva high they look to be blocking the centre against France's narrow attack.

21:01 Kickoff!
Here we go. Both teams start the match in the expected tactical shapes.