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2021 France players pose for a team group photo before the match Pool - Reuters
BUDAPEST, Reuters: World champions France hope their attacking stars finally align against defending European champions Portugal on Wednesday in an intriguing finale to Euro 2020's heavyweight group.
Tournament favourites Les Bleus dominated Germany in their opener but only won through an own goal, then looked short of ideas and stamina in a surprising 1-1 draw against Hungary.
They do top Group F, after Portugal were humbled by Germany, but the fearsome attacking trio of Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema will be disappointed to have only found the net once so far.
Mbappe has looked as fast and tricky as ever, pressuring Germany's Mats Hummels for the own goal and setting up Griezmann for the equaliser against Hungary. Benzema, though, has now failed to score from 30 shots over three European Championships.
But Deschamps was keeping faith with the man who bagged 29 goals in all competitions for Real Madrid this season, to earn a spot in the national team for the first time since 2015.
A draw against Portugal, who beat France in the Euro 2016 final, may be enough for Didier Deschamps' side to go through as group winners. They have four points, one more than Germany and Portugal, while Hungary are bottom with one.
France could also qualify for the last 16 before kickoff if results in other groups guarantee them going through as one of the best third-placed teams even should they lose.
After a 3-0 victory against Hungary, Portugal were beaten 4-2 by Germany despite Fernando Santos's cautious approach and changes could be made against France, with midfielder Renato Sanches expected to start in place of Bernardo Silva.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains their best asset: he already has three goals in these Euros and is the tournament's all-time top scorer with 12.
