Will underdog Portugal take the Euro 2016 title?

Portugal vs. France, Sunday, 2:30 p.m. ET

France -105
Portugal +355
Draw +220
Total 2 (Under -120)

How they got here

This might not be the finals matchup everyone expected before the tournament, yet the storylines and star power on display Sunday should get every soccer fan's blood flowing.

France found their stride in the quarterfinals in dismantling Iceland but weren't necessarily the better side in the semis, conceding possession for long stretches. However, it's all about the scoreboard. France has outscored its opposition 9-2 in the knockout stage and aside from a dour 0-0 result vs. Switzerland, Didier Deschamps' side has tallied at least twice in every match.

Portugal finally shed the tag of "draw master" in securing their first victory inside 90 minutes against Wales. A Selecao turned a 0-0 halftime scoreline into a 2-0 lead only minutes into the second half, eliminating any doubts of Cinderella pulling another upset.  

Fernando Santos' defense looked resolute in containing a Welsh attack lacking punch without Aaron Ramsey. Portugal again needs to rely on a defensive posture that's resulted in three clean sheets this tournament (two in the knockout stage), knowing they'll be tested by the high scoring French.

Who to watch

There's no backing away from what Antoine Griezmann has accomplished this tournament.  The Atletico Madrid striker is a lock to win golden boot this tournament for France after adding another pair of goals to his scoring ledger in the win over Germany.  

His presence up front is sure to be a constant thorn in a Portugal side looking to put 10 men behind the ball at all times. The real question is will Deschamps use a similar formation to what we've seen the last two matches or revert to a 4-3-3.  Griezmann's job has been made easier given the service he's received from Dmitiri Payet and Paul Pogba all tournament.  

The unsung hero in the side's win over Germany was keeper Hugo Lloris.  Lloris calmly dealt with six German shots on target and may be forced to deal with the Portuguese counter when France pushes forward.

All it takes is a single moment of brilliance from one of the world's best to remember Cristiano Ronaldo's goal scoring prowess.  His game-winning header played with serious pace accomplished just that, sealing Portugal's passage to the finals.  He won't see many chances against France, but the rare opportunity that comes his way needs to be capitalized.  

Ronaldo isn't alone up front and will look for support from teammates Renato Sanches and Nani in the attacking third. We also can't look past the contributions of Ricardo Quaresma this tournament that includes the game-winning goal against Croatia and the critical penalty winner in the win over Poland.  

However, the most important players should Portugal pull the upset are their oft-forgotten full backs. Pepe (injury) and Ricardo Carvalho (yellow card accumulation) are both expected in the starting 11 after missing the Wales match, making the unit even stronger than they appeared vs. Wales.

What will happen

Portugal has waited since 2004 to get back to a major tournament final. That match lost on home soil against underdog Greece left a bitter taste in the mouth of 18 year old Cristiano Ronaldo.  

Fast forward 12 years to a final no one thought possible for a Portugal side failing to register a win inside 90 minutes in their first five matches.  

France is rounding into form at just the right moment after thrashing Iceland before dispatching the world champion Germans.  We know France wants to push Portugal, forcing the underdogs out of their comfort zone. Portugal is built to absorb pressure, seeking one moment of brilliance on the counter attack to gain results.

If we're to see an upset on French soil, defense needs to become the order of the day.  Santos understands his side is doomed if the match becomes a track meet and should set up tactically to avoid it from ocurring.  

I think Portugal is a live dog inside 90 minutes and couldn't fault anyone inclined to invest that way. However, I'll choose to focus on the goals market for our best money making opportunities in the finals. 

Major international finals tend to lack fireworks and for the sake of our bankroll we'll look for a similar trend to continue.

The Play(s)

No Goal Scored: +550 (half unit)

First Half Draw: +100

Full Game Total: U2.25 (-150)