Juba Touabi, Media365, published on Monday July 1, 2024 at 8:00 p.m.
In a one-sided encounter in the round of 16 of Euro 2024, the French team triumphed against Belgium thanks to a decisive goal from Kolo Muani at the end of the match, winning 1-0 and thus validating its ticket to the quarter-finals.
The kick-off was given by the French, engaged under the direction of Didier Deschamps, who lined up a 4-3-3 tactical system. The first minutes saw the Blues show discipline and attempt a few incursions, notably by Tchouaméni and Griezmann. Despite several attempts, the finishing lacked precision, as evidenced by Rabiot’s long-range strike or Griezmann’s on-target but not very dangerous shot in the 10th minute of play.
The match had moments of tension with muscular interventions, notably from Saliba and Upamecano, and several yellow cards distributed by the referee, Tchouaméni (15′), Griezmann (23′) and Rabiot (25′) being the first cautions for France. For its part, Belgium showed little threat, with only one real chance on a free kick pushed back by Maignan in the 24th.
The restart saw the Belgians take the lead, but the Blues continued to press, notably through Saliba and Tchouaméni. Casteels, the Belgian goalkeeper, was called into action on several occasions, notably against a dangerous strike from Tchouaméni and a header from Thuram.
Kolo Muani, Deschamps’ winning bet
Deschamps’ tactical changes proved crucial. In the 62nd minute, Kolo Muani came on for Thuram, bringing a breath of fresh air to the French attack. Belgium tried to react, but Maignan remained imperious in front of Lukaku (70′) and De Bruyne (83′), thus preserving the goalless score.
In the 85th minute, the long-awaited moment arrived: Kolo Muani, well served in the area, turned and struck. His shot, slightly deflected by Vertonghen, deceived Casteels and allowed France to take the lead. This goal, synonymous with deliverance, galvanized the Blues who held firm until the final whistle.
With this victory, France qualifies for the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, showing once again its ability to rise to the highest level in decisive moments. Didier Deschamps’ men, solid defensively and opportunistic in attack, will however have to improve their efficiency in front of goal to hope to go further in the competition. Next meeting for the Blues: a quarter-final that promises to be thrilling against the winner of the Portugal-Slovenia match.
