Euro 2024: France beat Portugal in tense showdown
Portugal 0 - 0 France
France win 5-3 on penalties
Theo Hernandez scored the decisive penalty for France after Portugal's Joao Felix hit the post in the shootout following a goalless draw, sending Didier Deschamps' team into the Euro 2024 semi-final against Spain.
This time, there were no tears from Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been overcome with emotion during Portugal's last-16 victory over Slovenia. Despite converting his penalty, the 39-year-old's final Euros campaign ended in defeat. He was left to console his outstanding 41-year-old teammate Pepe at the end.
Ronaldo was mostly on the periphery of what turned out to be a cautious match. Both teams had chances to win in the second half. France's Mike Maignan made sharp saves to deny Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha and then smothered Ronaldo's backheel attempt. At the other end, Randal Kolo Muani's shot was blocked by Ruben Dias, and Eduardo Camavinga missed from close range.
Substitute Ousmane Dembele hit the post in the dying moments of regular time, but extra time saw both recent European champions playing it safe. Ronaldo had a half-chance but missed, while Pepe and Dayot Upamecano celebrated their defensive blocks as if they were goals.
The main talking point of extra time was Kylian Mbappe's substitution at half-time, having sustained a blow to his face earlier. France's star, masked and nursing a broken nose, must have been in significant discomfort to step off before the shootout, but his teammates were flawless from the spot.
Joao Felix was the only player to miss, hitting his shot against the post, allowing Hernandez to send France into the semi-finals for a showdown with Spain in Munich on Tuesday.
Even with Kylian Mbappe on the pitch, much attention was on Cristiano Ronaldo. His penalty shootout kick was typical of the theatre surrounding him: the dramatic pause, the staggered run-up, and the emphatic celebration after scoring.
While Ronaldo contributed to Portugal's shootouts in the knockout stages, his overall play has been less impressive. He was isolated in this match and missed the few opportunities that came his way.
France managed to find a way through, just about...
It's not just England fans lamenting their team's lack of excitement at these championships; France supporters must feel the same. Incredibly, Les Bleus have reached the semi-finals without scoring from open play.
They rarely looked like breaking that odd streak against Portugal. Deschamps' side were passive, allowing Portugal to dominate possession for long stretches. When France did advance, there was little cohesion in an attack that has been devastating in the past. Mbappe's substitution midway through extra time was a clear sign he wasn't fully fit. Around him, his teammates lacked the conviction or commitment to seize the game.
