google.com, pub-3998556743903564, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0 Belgium Own Goal Sends France To Quarter-Final

Belgium Own Goal Sends France To Quarter-Final

 
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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