France and Portugal fans gear up for the Euro 2016 final

Saturday 09 July 2016

French and Portuguese fans in Jersey are preparing for the biggest match either team have seen in over a decade.

Sunday’s final kicks off at 8pm at the Stade de France in Paris, and Islanders with links to both sides are making predictions about how the crucial match will pan out.

Given the history between these two teams, with France winning against Portugal the last ten times they have played each other, and the fact France will be playing at home, Les Bleus are the favourites to win according to bookmakers. 

French local Murielle is (perhaps unsurprisingly) hoping for a win for France, with the added reservation that: “It will be very close. Because the French are so passionate, you can never know what will happen until the very last minute.

“I think it would be nice for France to win considering all the problems we’ve had in Calais and so on. I feel like a victory would be a good boost for the French people, but you can never say ‘c’est dans la poche!’

“I would also be very happy for Portugal to win as I love the Portuguese community over here, they’re such wonderful people and the team has played really well in the Championship so far.”

When asked who she thought would be the best player, Murielle replied: “Antoine Griezmann is my hero.”

Despite working in a French café, another local, Luisa, is sticking to her roots and backing Portugal: “I really think Portugal is going to win. Despite them having lost to France many times before – it is time for a change.

“I think the score will be 2-1 to Portugal, with goals scored by Nani and Ronaldo, of course!

“Ronaldo is by far the best player on the field, but he’s also so charitable. I’m supporting him because he’s done so much for the people of Madeira where my family is from.”

Police are not anticipating any trouble during or after the final on Sunday, but they have taken precautionary measures in case of any anti-social behaviour.

A police spokesperson has said: “We will have a few extra officers as well as the normal shift officers on duty on Sunday evening to ensure public safety is safeguarded.

“If required the officers may have to close a few roads to protect pedestrians after the match.

“We’re not expecting any trouble because after the semi-final on Wednesday all the celebrations were incredibly good natured. These measures are merely precautionary as public safety is our top priority.”

You can watch the final on either BBC1 or ITV1.