Portugal's Euro 2024 Dream Ends in Penalty Shootout Heartbreak Against France

France Advances to Semifinals with Narrow Penalty Shootout Win Over Portugal

France advances to the Euro 2024 semifinals after a thrilling penalty shootout win over Portugal, despite a tight match that saw few opportunities for either team. Read the match report and highlights from a dramatic encounter that sets up a mouth-watering semifinal clash with Spain.

France advanced to the Euro 2024 semi-finals after defeating Portugal in a penalty shootout, following a tight match in Hamburg. Substitute Joao Felix's miss, which hit the outside of the goal, set up Theo Hernandez for the winning penalty. The French players celebrated with the fans at the opposite end of the field, leaving Portugal feeling defeated after their second consecutive shootout loss.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal's captain, had announced his retirement from the Euros earlier in the week, marking the end of an era. Despite being the focus of attention before the game, neither Ronaldo nor Kylian Mbappe made a significant impact, although Ronaldo did convert his penalty kick. Mbappe, who had been wearing a mask due to a fractured nose, was substituted during extra time and couldn't participate in the shootout.

The game was cagey, with few opportunities for either team. Portugal had the most chances, but Mike Maignan made crucial saves, and Ruben Dias narrowly missed a goal. France's Randal Kolo Muani and Eduardo Camavinga also had close calls, but extra time was needed. In the extra period, Ronaldo blasted a cutback from Francisco Conceicao over the bar, and Portugal's luck ran out after two consecutive shootout losses.

France will now face Spain in the semi-finals on Tuesday at 20:00 BST in Munich. Mbappe, who has been the center of attention since breaking his nose in the group stage, still seemed uncomfortable wearing the mask. He was removed in extra time, sitting in the dugout with ice on his face, and ultimately failed to deliver the spark France needed to win in ninety minutes.

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Without Mbappe's flair, France struggled to create chances, relying on occasional mistakes in Portugal's defense. Camavinga missed a close-range opportunity, and neither team attempted to win in extra time. France, who entered the competition as strong favorites, have yet to impress and will face a formidable Spanish team in the semi-finals.

Ousmane Dembele was named man of the match.