Portugal vs. France: Score and Reaction from 2015 International Friendly

A late goal by Mathieu Valbuena was enough to earn France a deserved 1-0 away win against Portugal in an international friendly at Sporting Lisbon's Estadio Jose Alvalade on Friday.

In a match of few clearcut chances, fans had to wait until five minutes before full time for the winning goal—in a game that saw the debut of Manchester United wonderkid Anthony Martial. 

Portugal entered the game in good form after beating Italy in their last game, with the French coming off losses against Belgium and Albania. However, the Portuguese had previously lost on five consecutive occasions against France, including a 2-1 defeat to Les Bleus in October. 

Portugal began in a familiar 4-3-3, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani expected to add the goals and flair. France fielded a strong unit, commanded by Paul Pogba in midfield and Karim Benzema in attack—who both scored against the Seleccao in their last contest.

Pogba was afforded an attacking role by Didier Deschamp, as French football journalist Julien Laurens noted:

Benzema had the best chance in the opening minutes, but he was denied a scoring opportunity by Pepe's clever defensive coverage.

The night ended prematurely for French debutant Nabil Fekir in just the 15th minute—with blogger Daniel Feliciano calling the action:

"

Nabil Fekir replaced by Antoine Griezmann very early on through injury.. Anthony Martial still awaits his debut on the bench. #mufc

— Daniel Feliciano (@dmf180593) September 4, 2015"

Laurens added further information on the damage to Fekir:

Substitute Antoine Griezmann's presence immediately gave France a different dimension in attack, with the Portuguese defence sitting deeper to counter the threat of the Atletico Madrid striker.

A second injury midway through the half to Ricardo Carvalho forced him to depart—as Fekir had done moments before. A clash with Patrice Evra was deemed serious enough to replace the defender, with Jose Fonte rushing on in his place.

Football consultant Anthony DiCicco shared an image of Carvalho's injury on Twitter:

The Daily Mail's Adam Crafton commented on the incident and questioned Evra's actions:

"

Evra doing his best to get sent off. Still on for now. Booked for studs-up lunge on Nani. Then elbows Carvalho, who is bleeding a lot…..

— Adam Crafton (@AdamCrafton_) September 4, 2015"

Blaise Matuidi should have given France the lead after 31 minutes, but the midfielder was foiled by goalkeeper Rui Patricio, who saved the shot with an outstretched leg. 

Despite having no attacking threat in the first half, Portugal went close moments before half-time as Ronaldo's free-kick was saved by Hugo Lloris. 

FRANCK FIFE/Getty Images

Manchester United's new midfield signing Morgan Schneiderlin entered the field of play at the start of the second half, with Crystal Palace's Yohan Cabaye making way. And the personnel change almost paid dividends immediately as the impressive Griezmann linked with Pogba. But Patricio was once again equal to the task.

CR7 had one of his quieter nights at the office as Portugal stuttered going forward. But Crafton mentioned the player's skill and highlighted a moment of magic from the past—which saw Ronaldo transfer to Manchester United:

"

Ronaldo not having his best night. But some stunning flicks. 12 years since the night in this stadium when Ronaldo terrorised #mufc defence

— Adam Crafton (@AdamCrafton_) September 4, 2015"

FRANCK FIFE/Getty Images

Ronaldo exited the action shortly after the hour mark but combined well with Nani just before his departure. The Real Madrid wizard led a quick counter, providing his former United team-mate with a chance on goal, only for Nani to make a mess of the proceedings, per Crafton:

With France in control of possession but with a lack of credible goal action, Martial was brought on for his debut—his first match since becoming the most expensive teenager in world football after transferring to Manchester United from Monaco.

FRANCK FIFE/Getty Images

As the game limped toward an inevitable goalless draw, it was left to the diminutive Valbuena to take the deserved win for France with a well-taken strike.

The Lyon playmaker whipped his free-kick over the wall and made sure Patricio's luck was out, giving the goalkeeper no chance of stopping his effort. The magic moment was caught by 11FootballClub:

"

Le CF de Valbuena ! 0-1 ! #PORFRA https://t.co/vwd6GviFVu

— 11footballclub (@11footballclub) September 4, 2015"

The match ended in France's favour, and the result was the right one, considering the balance of play. Portugal couldn't utilise Ronaldo or Nani going forward, and the French were more robust than their opponents.

Martial didn't have enough time to impress, but he has all the attributes a striker needs to become a predatory force.

Unfortunately for the hosts, they are currently a one-man team, and when Ronaldo isn't in top form, they always struggle to hit the target.