Euro 2024: Mendes relishing Mbappe challenge when Portugal meet France

Portugal defender Nuno Mendes is excited at the challenge of facing France star Kylian Mbappe at Euro 2024.

The 22-year-old played with the new Real Madrid forward at Paris Saint-Germain for two seasons but will now have the task of stopping him as his country seek a place in the semi-finals.

He will have to lean on the experience of international team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo instead if he gets the nod to start on Friday and says he respects both stars equally.

He said: “They are high-level, excellent players who can make a difference at any moment.

“I shared a dressing room with both of them and it was a pleasure to play with Mbappé and play with Cristiano.

“They are incredible, from one moment to the next they make a difference.

“I don’t think he will be playing on my flank, but if it happens I’m prepared.

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“I train every day for these moments and we are prepared to face them.

“They have high-level players, but we also have great players.

Quarter-finalists confirmed ✅

🤔 Who are you backing to go all the way?#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/SHwKaqpd01

— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 2, 2024

“We need to do everything we can to cancel France’s strengths and play our game.”

France have yet to score a goal from open play at Euro 2024.

Their only strikes have been two own-goals and a penalty and while it may be an issue for Les Blues, Mendes says it is a good thing for Portugal.

He added: “I think it’s good for us, it’s a good indicator.

“They are players who have the scent for goals, both Mbappe and [PSG forward Ousmane] Dembele. They like to look for the goal.

“It depends on them and it depends on us, to do our best so that they don’t score goals.”