Hosts France face Portugal in the final of Euro 2016 tonight with their country, and the history books, firmly on their side.
Portugal have not beaten Les Bleus since 1975 and are currently in the midst of a 10-match losing streak against today’s opponents. Here, PA Sport takes a look at the three competitive fixtures that make up part of that heart-breaking run.
France 3 Portugal 2 – SF Euro 1984
• The Stade Velodrome in Marseille was the venue for a most memorable semi-final meeting – with the hosts eventually running out winners thanks to another inspirational display from captain Michel Platini.
The France skipper played a part in Jean-Francois Domergue’s opening goal and was involved in a personal battle with Portugal goalkeeper Bento – who kept out a number of stinging efforts from the Juve striker.
Jordao equalised for Portugal to take the game into extra-time and the Sporting forward would give the outsiders the edge by adding his second after 98 minutes.
But, with just six minutes off extra-time remaining, Domergue levelled and Platini scored a memorable winner late on before leading France to victory over Spain in the final.
France 2 Portugal 1 – SF Euro 2000
• More extra-time woes for Portugal, this time in Belgium. Nuno Gomes scored a stunning volley to put A Selecao in front, only for Thierry Henry’s deflected effort to draw France level early in the second half.
Arsenal striker Henry would come close to finding a winner, as would Portugal’s Abel Xavier, but the game was again taken into extra-time.
Controversy followed as Xavier blocked a Sylvain Wiltord cross inside the box, with the assistant referee flagging to signify he had given a penalty for handball against the Everton man.
Gomes was sent off for his protests, with bans dished out to the striker, as well as Xavier and Paulo Bento, following a fracas after the decision – although Zinedine Zidane kept his cool to slot home the spot-kick and send France to the final, where they beat Italy by the same scoreline.
France 1 Portugal 0 – SF WCup 2006
• This time a game lacking quality was decided without the need for an additional 30 minutes of extra-time – although it was another Zidane penalty which ultimately separated the pair.
Ricardo Carvalho was penalised for tripping Thierry Henry in the penalty area and Zidane again made no mistake from the spot-kick.
There was no rousing comeback from the Portuguese, who came closest through Luis Figo and Deco – with the former heading over after Fabian Barthez had pushed a Cristiano Ronaldo free-kick straight back into play.
France held on to win a forgettable match but this time they could not follow up victory over Portugal with success in the final as Italy would gain revenge from six years earlier, beating Les Bleus in a penalty shoot-out.