Football News: France Edge Past Portugal in Dramatic Euro 2024 Quarter-final Shootout
In a Gripping Encounter
In a gripping Euro 2024 quarter-final match, France overcame Portugal in a penalty shootout to secure a place in the semi-finals, where they will face Spain. The match ended 0-0 after extra time, setting the stage for a nerve-wracking shootout.
“Theo Hernandez stepped up and converted the decisive penalty for France, after Portugal’s Joao Felix had hit the post, sending Didier Deschamps’ side through to a highly anticipated clash with Spain in Munich on Tuesday.”
Ronaldo’s Final Euros Campaign Ends in Defeat
Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been emotional during Portugal’s last-16 win over Slovenia, was unable to help his side progress further in the tournament, as his final Euros campaign ended in defeat. The 39-year-old superstar was left to console his outstanding 41-year-old teammate Pepe at the end of the match.
A Cagey Affair
Despite the lack of goals from open play, the match was a cagey affair, with both sides having chances to win it in normal time. France goalkeeper Mike Maignan produced two sharp saves to deny Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha, while Randal Kolo Muani and Eduardo Camavinga also came close for the French.
Mbappe’s Substitution
The major talking point of the extra-time period was the substitution of Kylian Mbappe, who had sustained a blow to his face earlier in the match. The French star, playing with a mask to protect his broken nose, must have been in serious discomfort to come off before the shootout, but his teammates were perfect from the penalty spot.
Ronaldo Misses the Decisive Penalty
Ronaldo, who had scored in Portugal’s previous shootout, was the only player to miss, hitting the post with his effort, which presented Hernandez with the chance to send France through to the semi-finals.
Unconvincing Progress for France
The result means that France have reached the Euro 2024 semi-finals without scoring a single open play goal, with their previous goals coming from two own goals and a penalty.
“We don’t care whether it’s deserved or not, we want to savour this victory,” said France midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.
Meanwhile, Portugal defender Pepe expressed his disappointment, saying, “It hurts to lose like that. It’s hard to find words for what we did. We deserved a different result for what we did, but that’s football.”
As the tournament progresses, France will be looking to rediscover their attacking spark and overcome Spain in the semi-finals, while Portugal must now reflect on a heartbreaking exit and the potential end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career.
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