By France emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Belgium, securing their place in the quarter-finals. The match, which remained goalless for much of its duration, was ultimately decided by Randal Kolo Muani’s 85th-minute strike, providing France with their first goal from open play in the tournament.
Despite the victory, France’s performance continues to fall short of the high expectations set for the team. However, much like their counterparts England, they have managed to progress to the last eight of the competition. The win sets up a quarter-final clash for France against the winner of the Portugal vs Slovenia match.
The game was characterized by tight defenses and missed opportunities on both sides. Belgium came close to breaking the deadlock when Kevin De Bruyne forced a save from French goalkeeper Mike Maignan with a long-range effort. France also had their chances, with Kylian Mbappe notably firing over the bar in a golden opportunity late in the game.
The decisive moment came in the 85th minute when Kolo Muani received the ball in the box, turned, and found the back of the net. There was a suggestion of a deflection, but it mattered little to the French team and their supporters.
The closing stages of the match saw Belgium pushing for an equalizer, with De Bruyne at the heart of their efforts. However, France’s defense, led by William Saliba, held firm. Saliba’s crucial block on De Bruyne in the dying minutes was celebrated as if he had scored a goal, highlighting the defensive resolve that ultimately saw France through.
The match was not without controversy, as Belgium felt they should have been awarded a free-kick for a foul on Romelu Lukaku just before France’s goal. The tension was evident throughout, with yellow cards shown to Jan Vertonghen of Belgium and even the Belgian manager for his protests.
As the final whistle blew, the French fans erupted into a rendition of their national anthem, celebrating their team’s progression to the next round. While the performance may not have been convincing, France’s ability to grind out results in tight matches could prove crucial as they advance deeper into the tournament.
For Belgium, this defeat marks a disappointing end to their Euro 2024 campaign. Despite flashes of brilliance from players like De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku, they were unable to find the breakthrough against a resolute French defense.
As France looks ahead to their quarter-final match, questions remain about their form and goal-scoring capabilities. However, with players of the caliber of Mbappe, Griezmann, and now Kolo Muani finding his scoring touch, they remain a formidable force in the competition.
This hard-fought victory serves as a reminder of France’s tournament pedigree and their ability to win even when not at their best. As the Euro 2024 journey continues, all eyes will be on whether they can elevate their performances to match their undoubted talent in the crucial matches ahead.
