France 1, Belgium 0
France secured a momentous spot in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals with a nail-biting late victory over Belgium. Despite dominating possession, it took an 85th-minute strike from substitute Randal Kolo Muani, deflected off Jan Vertonghen, to break the deadlock and send Les Bleus through in a match that will be remembered for its sheer intensity.
Match Highlights
Belgium’s Last-Minute Efforts: Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne had chances to win it for Belgium, but French goalkeeper Mike Maignan was up to the task.
Deschamps’ Record: Didier Deschamps’ side has lost only one of their last 15 Euros matches, excluding penalty shootouts.
Belgium’s Struggles: Belgium has yet to advance past the quarters in three consecutive knockout stage appearances.
Key Statistics
France’s Dominance: France is now 18-1-3 all-time at the Euros when scoring first.
Belgium’s Woes: Belgium is 1-9-1 when conceding first at the Euros.
Own Goals: There have been nine own goals in this Euro, closing in on the record of 11 set in 2020.
France will face the winner of Portugal vs. Slovenia in the quarterfinals.
Portugal 0 (3), Slovenia 0 (0)
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo was at the center of a dramatic rollercoaster of emotions against Slovenia. After missing a crucial penalty in extra time, he redeemed himself in the shootout, setting the stage for Portugal’s 3-0 penalty shootout victory. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa’s heroics were pivotal, but it was Ronaldo’s performance that added a layer of drama to the match.
Ronaldo’s Rollercoaster
Cristiano Ronaldo had a tough day, missing several shots and a crucial penalty in extra time. However, he redeemed himself by scoring the first penalty in the shootout. His journey through the match was filled with highs and lows, reflecting his determination and emotional investment.
Match Highlights
Ronaldo’s Redemption: After missing a penalty in extra time, Ronaldo set the tone for the shootout by converting Portugal’s first penalty.
Costa’s Heroics: Diogo Costa became the first goalkeeper to save three penalties in a European Championship shootout.
Slovenia’s Fight: Slovenia’s Jan Oblak made several crucial saves, keeping his team in the game through 120 minutes.
Goalless Regulation: The teams were goalless through 90 minutes and extra time before needing penalty kicks to decide a winner.
Penalty Shootout Drama: In the shootout, Josip Iličić, Jure Balkovec, and Benjamin Verbič missed their attempts against Costa, while Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva each beat Jan Oblak to secure the win.
Key Statistics
Portugal’s Streak: Portugal has reached the knockout stages in eight consecutive Euros, the longest active streak.
Ronaldo’s Free Kick Woes: Ronaldo has taken 60 direct free-kick attempts at major tournaments for Portugal, scoring only once.
Slovenia’s Debut: Slovenia debuted in the knockout stage of the Euros as an independent nation.
Quotes
Ronaldo’s Reaction: “Sadness at the start is joy at the end. That’s what football is. Moments, inexplicable moments.”
Costa’s Reflection: “This is probably the best game of my life. I am focused on doing what I have to do. I went with my gut feeling.”
Player of the Day
Diogo Costa wasn’t called into action much during normal time, but he made an incredible save on a Benjamin Šeško shot to take the tie to penalties. Costa made three dramatic saves in the shootout, becoming the first men’s goalkeeper to save three penalties in a shootout at the Euros.
Moment of the Day
Cristiano Ronaldo’s missed penalty could have ended Portugal’s campaign, but Jan Oblak’s brilliant save kept Slovenia in the game. Despite this, Portugal ultimately triumphed in the shootout, showcasing the emotional rollercoaster of football.
Photo of the Day
A picture of Cristiano Ronaldo’s emotional reaction after missing the penalty in extra time encapsulates the match’s highs and lows. His determination and eventual redemption highlight the drama and passion of Euro 2024.
Portugal’s journey continues against France in the quarterfinals, promising another exciting chapter in Euro 2024.
