PARIS — The fate of Sunday's intriguing European Championship final between France and Portugal weighs largely on two men wearing the No. 7 shirt, one already at the top of the game and the other one getting there fast.
Cristiano Ronaldo, accustomed to fighting with Lionel Messi for the right to be called the best player in the world, takes on a different challenger in France's Antoine Griezmann, this time for European supremacy.
The pair know each other well, having faced each other six weeks ago in the Champions League final in which Griezmann missed a penalty for Atletico Madrid in regular time before Ronaldo sealed city rival Real's victory by converting the decisive spot kick in the shootout.
Since the start of Euro 2016, Griezmann has bounced back from that disappointment, scoring six goals, a feat no player had achieved at one tournament since France great Michel Platini hit a record nine at the 1984 finals.
Ronaldo, by contrast, had to soak up a lot of criticism after lackluster showings by his high standards before playing a decisive role by scoring a goal and setting up another in a 2-0 semifinal win over Wales.
Griezmann was even more impressive in France's semifinal win over world champion Germany, scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory to give the host nation its first win over the Germans in a competitive match in 58 years.
The two now hold the keys to Sunday's final, in which France will chase a third European title after 1984 and 2000 and a third triumph on home soil after Euro 1984 and the 1998 World Cup.
Portugal has featured in the final of a major event only once before, when it lost 1-0 to Greece in the title match of the 2004 European Championship on home soil, with a 19-year-old Ronaldo in its team.
"Twelve years on and I'm in another final," said the Real Madrid forward. "This makes me proud, I always dreamed about winning something for Portugal and I hope it will be this time."
Portugal, which has won only one match over 90 minutes in this tournament, has yet to sparkle, although there was some improvement in its semifinal, notably from Ronaldo, who scored a majestic headed goal.
"I'm certain that the whole group will think of it as the game of their lives because Portugal have never won a title," midfielder Joao Mario told reporters.
Their down-to-earth coach, Fernando Santos, said the tournament was not a style contest and only victory mattered.
"I judge my team by whether we play well or badly, not by whether we are pretty or ugly," he said at one point during Euro 2016.
France will start as slight favorite, having won its last 10 meetings with Portugal dating back to 1975, and having scored seven goals in its last two games in the competition.
Les Bleus can also rely on passionate support from home fans desperate for something to celebrate after going through strikes and violent protests against a labor law, as well as a state of emergency still in force since last November's Islamist attacks killed 130 people in Paris at several sites including the Stade de France, venue for Sunday's final.
"It was our duty to win matches to give the French joy and reach the end," said Griezmann. "I hope we will make it a beautiful end."
Pepe fit
Portugal center-back Pepe declared himself fit Saturday for Sunday's Euro 2016 final.
The wily Real Madrid defender, 33, missed Portugal's 2-0 semifinal win over Wales on Wednesday due to a thigh injury, with Bruno Alves taking his place, and trained separately Friday.
But he played a full part in training with his teammates at Portugal's Marcoussis base Saturday and said that he was ready to take to the field against Didier Deschamps's side.
"I feel great. I'm fully fit and can be chosen to play tomorrow," he told a press conference at Stade de France.
Clattenburg to referee final
England's Mark Clattenburg will be the referee for Sunday's European Championship final between France and Portugal at the Stade de France, governing body UEFA said Friday.
The 41-year-old also officiated in the Champions League final, won by Real Madrid over city rivals Atletico in May.
He becomes the second man to take charge of both major European occasions in the same year after Pedro Proenca of Portugal in 2012, UEFA said in a statement.
Clattenburg was also the referee for the FA Cup final won by Manchester United over Crystal Palace in May, after which Palace manager Alan Pardew said he was frustrated by two of his decisions.
Sunday's final will be Clattenburg's fourth appointment at the finals following Belgium vs. Italy, Czech Republic vs. Croatia and Switzerland vs. Poland. He was also a fourth official when Iceland played Austria. — Agencies
