Jan Vertonghen's unfortunate
own goal in the 85th minute sent France into the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on
Monday with a tense 1-0 victory over Belgium.
France had dominated the
round-of-16 match but struggled to convert their chances until substitute
Randal Kolo Muani's shot, which was veering wide, deflected off Vertonghen and
past goalkeeper Koen Casteels.
The win propels the 2022 World
Cup runners-up into a quarter-final clash in Hamburg on Friday, keeping alive
their quest for a third European title.
France, yet to score from open
play in four matches at the tournament, relied on a penalty from Captain Kylian
Mbappé against Poland and goals from opposing defenders.
Defensively solid, France
conceded only one goal — a penalty — so far in the tournament. Their back line
excelled against Romelu Lukaku and Belgium, who exit after a disappointing
campaign.
Both sides sought revenge;
Belgium for their 1-0 loss to France in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, and
France aiming to prove themselves after a penalty shootout loss to Switzerland
in the Euro 2020 round of 16.
Considered tournament favorites
before arriving in Germany, France underwhelmed during the group stage, hindered
by Mbappé's early injury and inconsistent performances from Antoine Griezmann.
Griezmann returned to the
starting lineup against Belgium alongside Marcus Thuram, while wingers Ousmane
Dembele and Bradley Barcola made way.
Belgium, under coach Domenico
Tedesco, adjusted their lineup with Yannick Carrasco and Lois Openda supporting
Lukaku, while captain Kevin De Bruyne took on a deeper role.
Despite high expectations for
an attacking spectacle, Belgium opted to defend deep, limiting France's chances
and frustrating their opponents throughout the match.
France had several
opportunities in the first half, with Thuram narrowly missing a header and
Aurelien Tchouameni failing to find the target twice.
The decisive moment arrived in
the 85th minute when N'Golo Kante set up Kolo Muani, whose shot ricocheted off
Vertonghen, sealing France's victory.
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