Battle-hardened Portugal stand between hosts France and a cathartic victory in Sunday's Euro 2016 final at Stade de France. Here, our European football correspondents Ian Hawkey and Richard Jolly select three players from each team they predict will have an impact on the championship match.
Related: Everything you need to know about the Euro 2016 final
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France – Dmitri Payet
The darling of the team at the outset of the tournament, when his late winner gave France their first victory, Payet has looked a little fatigued as the month wore on, his Euro 2016 like his season with West Ham United, delightful early on, quieter later. France may need magic to unlock Portugal.
France – Samuel Umtiti
A remarkable week for the Cameroon-born defender. He only won his first cap last Sunday, but an authoritative performance against Germany should keep him at the heart of France’s defence - and in charge of shadowing Ronaldo when crosses float towards the Portugal captain.
France – Antoine Griezmann
Player of the tournament so far, with his six goals. He has been encouraged to think that the Ballon D’Or for 2016 might be his if he wins this title. Has the fresh memory of a close, losing final in the Champions League final hanging over him, but the Atletico Madrid striker could hardly look more buoyant.
Portugal – Cristiano Ronaldo
Impossible to ignore. A quest to win Portugal’s first trophy has taken on huge proportions for Ronaldo. His form has been mixed at Euro 2016 but his persistence has been a constant. Tellingly, his best performance came in the second half of the semi-final, when he scored a wonderful header against Wales.
Portugal – Nani
A supposedly flaky winger has been reinvented as the leader of the attack, a stand-in striker who has done better than the specialists Portugal have fielded in recent seasons. Nani is Portugal’s joint top scorer, with three goals, and his recent move to Valencia is another sign his career is on the up again.
Portugal – Renato Sanches
It feels strange that Fernando Santos did not give Sanches a first start of the tournament until the quarter-final against Poland. The midfielder may be 18 but he feels older, given his power, talent and relish for the major occasions. It is easy to see why Bayern Munich signed him.