Euro 2024: France edge past Belgium
France 1 - 0 Belgium
A late own goal by Jan Vertonghen sent France into the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 at Belgium's expense.
A game that had lacked quality and excitement for much of its duration seemed destined for extra time. However, a shot by substitute Randal Kolo Muani deflected off Vertonghen with five minutes remaining, ultimately sealing a French victory at Düsseldorf Arena.
France had missed several opportunities before that, with their lack of finishing touch once again letting them down. Even captain Kylian Mbappe squandered chances that he would normally convert.
Belgium nearly took the lead themselves before France's late goal. Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne charged into space through the middle, but his shot was pushed behind by Mike Maignan.
That had been the underwhelming Belgians' only decent opportunity as France saw out the final few minutes to progress to the last eight, where they will face either Portugal or Slovenia.
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Didier Deschamps' side were deserved winners, but this victory will bring more relief than celebration for the 2018 world champions, as they once again struggled to turn chances into goals.
They dominated play for large periods, but only managed a single shot on target in the first half when Antoine Griezmann's low strike from distance was comfortably saved.
Despite having one of the world's best forwards in Mbappe, he too found it difficult when faced with shooting opportunities, notably curling over in the second half after initially doing well to create space for himself.
A late own goal from Jan Vertonghen gives France the lead 🇫🇷
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 1, 2024
And Belgium have 5 minutes to find a response... 👀#Euro2024 | #FRABEL pic.twitter.com/wYvuX4HldO
In the end, they finished with 19 shots on goal but just two on target, and they are still waiting for their first goal from open play in Germany.
In a recurring theme for several big teams left in Euro 2024, France are struggling to play at their full potential. For now, though, they will celebrate being one step closer to the final.
What next for another 'golden generation'?
⏱ 85’ | Goal France. 1-0. #FRABEL 🇫🇷🇧🇪
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) July 1, 2024
The Belgian players were booed off the pitch by their fans after only managing a draw against Ukraine in their final group game. There was still a glimmer of hope among their supporters that they would step up their performance against France.
Unfortunately, they were again too cautious for this match, with their moments of promise all too fleeting.
They had opportunities to make France pay for their missed chances. Kevin De Bruyne’s effort in the closing stages and Romelu Lukaku’s low shot, which was pushed away in the second half, were their best chances.
Like Croatia, this tournament felt like a last gamble for Belgium's 'golden generation', with key players like De Bruyne and Lukaku now in their 30s. They exit the tournament wondering if this was ultimately a missed opportunity for what could have been with this talented group of players.
