SUBSTITUTE MATHIEU VALBUENA’S superb free-kick gave France a deserved 1-0 friendly victory over Portugal in Lisbon on Friday night.
A mistimed challenged by Southampton defender Jose Fonte on Antoine Griezmann gave France a free-kick 25 yards out with just over four minutes remaining. Up stepped the Lyon playmaker, who had only come on in the 80th minute.
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You can watch his fantastic strike below:
Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio did manage to get his finger tips to the ball but it wasn’t enough. Valbuena’s late winner extends France’s 40-year winning streak over Portugal to 10 straight victories, on a night where new Manchester United striker Anthony Martial also made his senior debut.
Martial became football’s most expensive teenager earlier this week when United forked out an initial £36 million to sign him from Monaco and came on for Karim Benzema to earn his first cap.
Next up for Portugal is Albania on Monday in a Euro 2016 qualifier. They lead Group I with 12 points, while Albania and Denmark sit one point further back. France, who automatically qualify as hosts for next summer’s tournament, take on Serbia.
Watch: Valbuena's superb free-kick earns France a win in Portugal
SUBSTITUTE MATHIEU VALBUENA’S superb free-kick gave France a deserved 1-0 friendly victory over Portugal in Lisbon on Friday night.
A mistimed challenged by Southampton defender Jose Fonte on Antoine Griezmann gave France a free-kick 25 yards out with just over four minutes remaining. Up stepped the Lyon playmaker, who had only come on in the 80th minute.
You can watch his fantastic strike below:
Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio did manage to get his finger tips to the ball but it wasn’t enough. Valbuena’s late winner extends France’s 40-year winning streak over Portugal to 10 straight victories, on a night where new Manchester United striker Anthony Martial also made his senior debut.
Martial became football’s most expensive teenager earlier this week when United forked out an initial £36 million to sign him from Monaco and came on for Karim Benzema to earn his first cap.
Next up for Portugal is Albania on Monday in a Euro 2016 qualifier. They lead Group I with 12 points, while Albania and Denmark sit one point further back. France, who automatically qualify as hosts for next summer’s tournament, take on Serbia.
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