France held by Portugal in Euro U21 opener (0-0)

Despite several absentees—including Hugo Ekitike, whose injury disrupted Gérald Baticle’s plans—Les Bleuets came close on multiple occasions but lacked efficiency in both boxes. They were also heavily reliant on an outstanding performance from Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes, who made a string of key saves to deny a lively Portuguese attack.

Restes stands tall as France ride early storm

The first half saw Portugal on the front foot with winger Geovany Quenda and Tiago Tomás exploiting French defensive frailties. Quenda created a gilt-edged chance for Paulo Bernardo, while Roger Fernandes was denied by a heroic Lukeba block on the line (14’). Just a minute later, Tiago Tomás forced Restes into a reflex save after Matsima’s error.

But France slowly grew into the match. Matthis Abline had half-chances, and a moment of brilliance in the 29th minute looked to tilt the match their way. After skipping through defenders, Abline was brought down by Rafael Rodrigues, resulting in a penalty. Initially awarded, the decision was downgraded to a free-kick on the edge after VAR review. Merlin’s subsequent delivery failed to test the defence.

France threaten but can't finish

The second half saw a better spell from Les Bleuets. Quentin Merlin and Désiré Doué—on as substitutes—added energy, while Johann Lepenant crafted two excellent opportunities. One saw Mathys Tel denied by Benfica’s Samuel Soares (67'), the other fell to Lepenant himself in stoppage time, but again Soares came out on top (90+1').

Substitutes Loum Tchaouna and Thierno Barry also had fleeting openings, but France’s decision-making in the final third let them down.

Portugal wasteful, France thankful

Portugal, too, had their moments after Rui Jorge’s tactical changes. Carlos Forbs was electric on the left, repeatedly troubling Sildillia, while full-back Nazinho made an impression off the bench. But finishing proved elusive, and France's compact defending—anchored by Lukeba and Restes—held firm.

A point to build on

Ultimately, the draw leaves both sides level in Group D ahead of France’s second fixture against Georgia on Friday. With a win likely needed to ease pressure ahead of a final group game versus Poland, Baticle will hope for more cohesion and clinical edge.

The coach, working with a reshuffled squad, can take encouragement from the spirit shown—particularly in defence—but knows the margin for error is now small.

Line-ups:

France: Restes – Sildillia, Matsima (c), Lukeba, Merlin – Doukouré (Magassa 88'), Diouf, Lepenant – Odobert, Abline (Barry 62'), Tel (Tchaouna 77')
Portugal: Soares – R. Rodrigues (Nazinho 46'), Muniz, Lamba, Pinheiro – Nascimento, M. Fernandes, Bernardo (c) – Quenda (R. Gomes 61'), Tiago Tomás (Sa 80'), R. Fernandes (Forbs 61')

Group D standings (after 1 match):

🇫🇷 France – 1 pt
🇵🇹 Portugal – 1 pt
🇬🇪 Georgia – 0 pts
🇵🇱 Poland – 0 pts

📅 Next match:
🆚 France vs Georgia – Friday, June 14 – 21:00 (CET) – Trnava