Football News Update: France Advance to Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals with Late Win over Belgium
In a closely contested Euro 2024 round of 16 clash, France edged past Belgium with a late own goal, securing their place in the quarter-finals. The match, played on July 1, 2024, promised much before kick-off, but ultimately delivered a cagey affair with few clear-cut chances.
Kevin De Bruyne came close for Belgium, but Domenico Tedesco’s side were left heartbroken in the closing stages as Randal Kolo-Muani’s effort was deflected into the net by Belgium’s Jan Vertonghen, handing France a narrow 1-0 victory.
“I think he will be beyond disappointed, bar the fact he gets credited with the own goal,” said ITV Sport pundit Gary Neville. “This little move just quickens the attack up and it plays into Griezmann, the ball goals into Kolo Munai but as it gets played back, he has to just shift up. It makes it really difficult and once you are one or two yards off, it comes down as bad defending.”
The result is a bitter disappointment for Belgium, who were criticized for their performances during the group stages, with boos heard following a 0-0 draw with Ukraine. Romelu Lukaku once again cut a frustrated figure in attack, as his nation was sent packing at the round of 16 stage.
France, on the other hand, will be relieved to have secured a place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, despite a less than convincing display. They will now await the outcome of the other last 16 fixtures as the competition progresses.
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