France and Portugal have advanced to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 by the narrowest of margins. France advanced to the quarter-finals after a 1-0 win over Belgium thanks to a late winning goal for the Didier Deschamps-led side. Randal Kolo Muani’s goal was deflected by Jan Vertonghen and decided the first game of Monday’s action. France will face Portugal after the team led by Roberto Martinez won 3-0 in penalties against Slovenia (0-0 after regular time and extra time). Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty in extra time. This is how it all happened.
Euro 2024 results for Monday
- France 1, Belgium 0
- Portugal 3, Slovenia 0 (AET)
Portugal 0, Slovenia 0 (3-0 in PKs): a new hero
Despite the eventual 0-0 penalty shootout draw, it was an exciting match full of emotions. Portugal tried it all and had some big chances, especially with Ronaldo’s missed penalty in extra time, but the match was decided on penalties after an incredible miss from Benjamin Sesko in the final minutes following a mistake by Portuguese centre-back Pepe .
In the penalty shootout, Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa became the star as he saved three out of three while Josip Ilicic, Jure Balkovec and Benjamin Verdic were missing. This time Ronaldo didn’t miss it and scored the first penalty before Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva did the same. Portugal will take on France in the quarter-finals next Friday, in one of the most highly anticipated matches of the tournament.
France 1, Belgium 0: France scores winning goal
Didier Deschamps’ side won 1-0 after a challenging match, but managed to score a late winning goal through Kolo Muani (even though this was officially deemed an own goal after a Vertonghen deflection). The French side struggled in the first half and Domenico Tedesco’s side had two chances to score the opening goal with Kevin De Bruyne and Carrasco, but Mike Maignan was cautious and saved his teammates.
Kylian Mbappe’s side made a much more positive start to the second half but still failed to score the opener, while Belgium’s biggest chance was denied by a defensive move from Theo Hernandez. While the tie seemed to be heading closer to extra time, Kolo Muani’s goal gave France the lead five minutes from time. Belgium is eliminated by the 2022 World Cup finalists.
