France Edges Belgium with Late Own Goal, Faces Portugal or Slovenia Next
France Escapes with Late Win over Belgium, Advances to Quarter-Finals
France secured a spot in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals with a dramatic late win over Belgium, thanks to an own goal by Jan Vertonghen. In the 85th minute, substitute Randal Kolo Muani's shot deflected off Vertonghen, securing a 1-0 victory for France at Dusseldorf Arena.
For much of the match, it seemed destined for extra time, as France struggled to find a decisive edge despite creating numerous chances. Captain Kylian Mbappe, known for his clinical finishing, uncharacteristically shot wide on multiple occasions. France's inability to capitalize on their opportunities made it seem like the match was heading for an extra 30 minutes.
However, just before France's late goal, Belgium's Kevin de Bruyne, a midfielder for Manchester City, had a golden opportunity to put his team ahead. He burst into space through the middle, but his effort was blocked by French goalkeeper Mike Maignan, preserving the stalemate. France's persistence ultimately paid off with the late own goal, sending them through to the quarterfinals.
France managed to see out the remaining minutes and secure a spot in the quarterfinals, where they will face either Portugal or Slovenia. This was a fortunate outcome for France, as Belgium's sole decent chance was the one that ultimately led to their own downfall.
France's victory will come as a relief more than anything else, as they struggled to convert their dominance into goals once again. Despite controlling the game for extended periods, their only notable effort in the first half came from Antoine Griezmann, whose low shot from distance was comfortably saved. France finished with 19 shots on goal, but only two were on target, highlighting their ongoing struggles in front of goal. In fact, they have yet to score a goal in open play in Germany.
Despite their underwhelming performance, France will take pride in advancing one step closer to the championship. This theme of underperforming is shared by many of the stronger teams still in the competition at Euro 2024, but for now, France will focus on their progress and look to improve in their next match.
Despite being booed off the field by some Belgian supporters after their draw with Ukraine in their final group match, there was optimism among the fans leading up to this game that they would step up against France. However, Belgium once again failed to deliver, playing too cautiously for long stretches and only occasionally showing glimpses of threat.
They should have capitalized on France's mistakes, particularly in the dying minutes when De Bruyne's effort was blocked, and earlier in the second half when Romelu Lukaku's low shot went wide. Lukaku, who leaves Euro 2024 without a single goal, will be disappointed by this missed opportunity. Like Croatia's “golden generation,” Belgium's talented squad, including De Bruyne and Lukaku, feels like this was their last chance to make a meaningful impact.
Just like Croatia, Belgium exits the competition wondering if this was a wasted opportunity, given the potential of this group of players. The disappointment and frustration are palpable, as they failed to live up to expectations and make a deeper run in the tournament.
Jules Kounde won man of the match.
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