Uefa Nations League: Portugal 0-1 France - N'golo Kante seals place at finals for Les Bleus

N'Golo Kanté was the unlikely match winner as France reached the finals and knocked out the holders.

France midfielder N'Golo Kante. In the photo, Kante in action for France during their UEFA Nations League encounter against Portugal. Photo: Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images

Rui Patrício took centre stage in the first half, saving superbly on two occasions from Anthony Martial. When the Manchester United striker did find a way past him, with a close-range header, the crossbar came to the Portugal No1's rescue.

The hosts offered more threat early in the second half, but it was France who promptly struck, Kanté turning in the loose ball after Rui Patrício had kept out Adrien Rabiot's drive. José Fonte headed against the bar in response, while Hugo Lloris preserved the points with a fine save from substitute João Moutinho's long-range effort.

Cristiano Ronaldo (m) in action for Portugal during the UEFA Nations League encounter between Portugal and France. Photo: Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images

France Head Coach Didier Deschamps said the Led Bleus "deserved" the victory:

"We deserved the win and we've fulfilled our objective of finishing top. I'm very proud of the players. They proved tonight that France are still a great team. Given the quality of the opposition, it's one of our best performances of recent times. The squad turned up and performed and I'm very happy for them because they have proved their team spirit and that they're competitors."

France midfielder N'Golo Kante (r) tackles Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo during the UEFA Nations League encounter between Portugal and France. Photo: Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images

Portugal Head Coach Fernando Santos said his side "struggled a lot" and that "France were superior":

Portugal forward Crisitiano Ronald reacts during the UEFA Nations League encounter between Portugal and France. Photo: Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images

"We struggled a lot. France in the first half were superior; we were unable to play and connect the passes. Having no ball is more difficult. We were pushed back, we tried to react but very timidly and with little ability to progress up the field and find solutions." Uefa