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Euro 2024: Mendes relishing Mbappe challenge when Portugal meet France

The Portugal defender is looking to get the better of Real Madrid's new star at Euro 2024.

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Portugal's Nuno Mendes

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.

“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.”

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Picture of Mitch Fretton

Mitch Fretton

Mitch is a freelance sports journalist with experience working for LiveScore, GOAL and Colchester United. He has experience working from both his desk at home and in the press box at games covering the Champions League and international football.

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