LThe blue dream continues. At the end of a long-closed match, where the defenses got the better of the offensive desires, the French team overcame Belgium (1-0), Monday 1is July, thanks to an own goal by Jan Vertonghen (86e) and qualify for the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. Didier Deschamps’ men now wait to find out who, Portugal or Slovenia, they will face in the next round.
Clumsy in front of goal (20 shots, two on target), the Blues struggled for a long time against the Belgian defense, in this 76th clash between the two nations. As against Austria, the Netherlands and Poland during the group stage, France showed great defensive solidity but once again sinned in the final move, despite numerous opportunities or hot situations in the Belgian area.
The central hinge Upamecano-Saliba showed itself to its advantage again while the full-backs Jules Koundé and Théo Hernandez multiplied their efforts in their corridor. On his line, Mike Maignan was reassuring by keeping the danger away on two strikes from Romelu Lukaku (71e) and Kevin de Bruyne (82e). Up front, Marcus Thuram, Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann struggled, well muzzled by the Red Devils.
Portugal or Slovenia in the quarter-finals
At the very end of the match, when both teams seemed to be heading towards extra time, Randal Kolo Muani, served by Antoine Griezmann in the Belgian area, armed a shot which, blocked by Jan Vertonghen, deceived goalkeeper Koen Casteels (87e), thus freeing an entire nation. In the quarter-finals, the Blues will therefore meet Portugal or Slovenia, who face each other this Monday, 1is July, at 9 p.m.
