France scores late to eliminate Belgium and advance to the quarter-finals of the European Championship

This Monday, in a game valid for the round of 16 of the European Championship, France faced Belgium at the Esprit Arena and won 1-0, with an own goal by defender Vertonghen.

In this way, the French qualified for the quarter-finals of the competition, where they will face the winner of the duel between Portugal and Slovenia. On the other side, Belgium says goodbye to the tournament.

The quarter-final match will take place on the 5th (Friday), at 4pm (Brasília time), in Hamburg. The Belgians will only return to the field on the 6th of September, against Israel, in the first round of the UEFA Nations League.

Our #EURO2024 ends here. 😤 #FRABEL #WirSchaffenDas pic.twitter.com/OyIMr1ITiN

— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) July 1, 2024

First time

France were superior in the opening half. Just two minutes in, Rabiot, with his left foot, shot inside the area after receiving a pass from Tchouaméni, but sent it wide.

Eight minutes later, France returned to the attack. This time, after a pass from Rabiot, Griezmann controlled and shot firmly, but goalkeeper Casteels, well positioned, made the save in the center of the goal.

Belgium tried in the 26th minute with Carrasco, who received a cross from Openda, but was blocked by the defense when he took the shot.

The French continued to try to open the scoring. In the 34th minute, Koundé crossed into the box for Thuram, who headed the ball close to the penalty spot. However, the ball went to the right of the goal for a goal kick.

At 39, Tchouaméni took a chance from the middle of the street, but sent it wide of the left of the goal.

Finally, five minutes later, Tchouaméni took advantage of the ball that was poorly cleared by the Belgian defense and struck, but he used too much force and sent it over the bar.

Second time

Just like in the first half, France were superior and started the second half pressing. In the third minute, Tchouaméni struck a fine shot into the left corner, but goalkeeper Casteels palmed it away for a corner.

Afterwards, after the defense cleared Griezmann’s corner, Mbappé controlled the ball, took it to the middle and shot, but it was blocked by the Belgian defender.

At eight, Mbappé tried a similar move, but this time he hit the ball too low and it went over the goal.

Belgium even tried with Lukaku. At 25, the center forward received the ball inside the area and managed to shoot, but Maignan made the save to save France.

After having been superior throughout the match, France finally opened the scoring in the 40th minute. After a good exchange of passes, Kolo Muani received the ball from Kanté, entered the area and attempted a cross. However, the ball deflected off Vertonghen and went into the back of the net.