France left it late as they labored to a 1-0 win against Belgium to book their place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
With the game heading to extra time, Randel Kolo Muani was France’s hero as his 85th-minute strike deflected off defender Jan Vertonghen and goalkeeper Koen Casteels to seal victory.
France controlled possession for much of the match and came very close to breaking the deadlock either side of half-time through Marcus Thuram and Aurelien Tchouameni, while Kylian Mbappe also threatened with dazzling feet – but his finish was off color as France struggled to test Casteels. .
Belgium could have won the game itself late on with Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne both forcing fine saves from goalkeeper Mike Maignan before the crunch time put France through to the next stage.
Didier Deschamps’ side will meet the winner of Monday afternoon’s match between Portugal and Slovenia in the quarter-finals in Hamburg on Friday (20:00 kick-off).
Joy for France, despair for Belgium…
France have now won three games in a row against Belgium.
Excluding penalties, Deschamps’ side have lost just one of their last β¬15 matches (eight wins and six draws).
Can they continue to add to their European Championship successes of 1984 and 2000?
Neville: Vertonghen will be devastated by big mistake
Sky Sports’ Gary Neville speaking to ITV about the late France winner and Vertonghen’s involvement:
“I think Vertonghen will be really disappointed [with the goal]and not just because it’s credited as an own goal.
βIt has to go up.
“But he has to step up. When you’re a meter or two away, it’s not unlucky, he’s in the category of bad defending and he knows that, he’s an experienced player.
“I’ve been there. I’d consider it a big mistake from a seasoned defender. He’ll recognize it. He’ll be devastated because what he’ll also be thinking is ‘is this going to be the last time I’m here?’ That’s where it really hits home for the players.”
Deschamps: Enjoy the moment
France coach Didier Deschamps:
“It’s beautiful, we played a big game, it was tight, but we enjoyed possession and had more chances. We have to enjoy it, it’s a big achievement. We’re in the quarter-finals, they’re going home.
“We made a lot of progress and our opponents were obviously careful, even if they were an attacking team on paper. We did everything we could to create chances and we created more of them, but we played the waiting game and we did” Fall into their trap, I liked that, but obviously you can’t win by possession alone.
“I would like us to create more chances, but we are in the quarter-finals and that is what counts. Let’s not underestimate this moment.”