How France beat Belgium during Euro 2024 thanks to Randal Kolo Muani’s deflected strike
Follow the reaction live to France’s tense 1-1 Euro 2024 victory, which put them in the next round with Portugal
By Luke Brown, Darren Richman, Ed Mackey, Michael Cox, Charlotte Harpur
Jan. 1, 2024 at 10:04 11:04 PM
A tournament to forget for Lukaku
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The goal that forced Belgium from this year’s European Championships began with Romelu Lukaku dropping the ball in the France half. Lukaku may be feeling a bit cursed throughout Euro 2024 after seeing three goals be ruled out by VAR in the initial two games before his error eventually led to Belgium’s exile during the first round of 16.
The record-breaking goalscorer of Belgium has a remarkable knack of getting the ball in the net for both country and club but it was never a reality for the player in Germany.
France finds a way to do it, however they need to do a lot to complete
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It seemed unlikely that this match would have been decided through a flash of magic, but rather, it was down to a flurry of luck. A deflected and scrappy shot off Jan Vertonghen’s knee seemed appropriate for a game so low in terms of quality. They will face in the final from Portugal against Slovenia before a meeting to either Germany or Spain in the event that they win.
Didier Deschamps’ squad must be a lot better than if the manager hopes to become the first player to be the winner of both the Euros as well as the World Cup as a player as well as a coach.
The big dogs struggle
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Other aside from Germany and Spain The majority of the top players have had a difficult time finding their form in the lead-up to Euro 2024.
It’s not clear if it’s due to busy national seasons or burden of expectations is hard to determine, however France and Belgium two teams that were that were expected to be a contender prior to playing in the finals, were unable to get in an event that was lacking in instances of quality.
Austria and Romania two less well-known teams both won their respective groups and a mediocre Georgia was able to defeat Portugal and even lead in a knockout game against Spain.
It’s great that the soccer hasn’t been a predictable one, however the knockout stages can do really well and this definitely was not it.
Up next: Portugal vs Slovenia
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And France players and supporters alike will keep watch on the next game that will be coming at you within a half hour.
In the sixth tie in the last 16 in the competition, Portugal and Slovenia meet in Frankfurt.
Follow the live stream of that game right here.
So, who has France been a part of in the quarter-finals?
Image alt=”So do you know who France been able to join in the quarter-finals?” data-nimg=”responsive” src=”https://cdn-media.theathletic.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1920%2cformat=auto%2cquality=75/https://cdn-media.theathletic.com/Z2SIWDirjJ0N_6P3oTLjF2PIf_1440x960.jpg”/>
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Here’s how our quarter-final lineup looks ahead of Euro 2024 after that narrow victory for France.
Friday 5 July
- Spain vs Germany
- Portugal/Slovenia vs France
Saturday June 6
- England vs Switzerland
- Romania/Netherlands against Austria/Turkey
The Player of the Match Jules Kounde
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I am truly sorry for the person who was forced to choose one of the players of the Match in that match.
However, it’s Jules Kounde who has received the official UEFA award. To his credit, he actually did perform very well in the game.
After being knocked down several times in the early stages by Doku his performance improved dramatically and was considered to be France’s most formidable threat on the offensive. The five chances he created were the highest in the match, along with his 3 tackles.
Another tournament is underway in Belgium by
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There is a lot of talk about the ‘Golden Generations’ of soccer, but I believe it’s safe for me to state that Belgian football’s golden generation has had a few and has gone.
This is the second major tournament in a row that they’ve lost their way from after being eliminated during the first round of 2022’s World Cup.
There are still plenty of top players in the team, but the best players aren’t getting any older and it’s hard to imagine them competing for the trophies on the European and global stage for long particularly in light of the amount of talent present in other teams.
France loves the idea of a European Championship own goal
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It’s not unusual to watch France profit from their own goal in the European Championship.
In actual fact, they’ve been able to gain more from them than other teams in history of tournaments (5).
- France 5
- Spain – 4
- Netherlands 3
Six World Cup own goals they have received is an all-time record for the tournament!
Very tough for Vertonghen
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Sad that Vertonghen had to (presumably) be a part of this. Intelligent defender, never rash, lovely left foot. Excellent in a high-speed line and later adapted well to the slowing down.
I really enjoyed watching him through the years.
Heartbreak for Vertonghen after his 15th appearance
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Two yellow cards and an goal of their own were fruit of Vertonghen’s labor during his 157th game for his country.
At 37 it’s hard to imagine that he will continue in the world arena for a long time.
Football is still an obscene lover. Except if you’re French.
France have reached the quarter-finals of the tournament!
FC France 1-1-0 Belgium
That’s it!
It wasn’t an absolute classic, but France will advance into the quarter-finals at the cost of their neighbors Belgium due to Vertonghen’s last-minute goal for his own team.
Mangala is booked until time expires
90+3′ France 1-0 Belgium
Belgium is trying to bring France in a position of pressure however the added three minutes aren’t enough for them.
Kolo Muani just eased the pressure on him by passing the ball over Mangala before drawing a penalty and a yellow card at the hands of Mangala, the Belgium substitute.
This should be the case…
France fans eagerly awaiting in the semi-finals…
90+1′ France 1-0 Belgium
For the first time, La Marseillaise is sung loud and loud and clear. The two Ultra fan-clubs Les Irresistibles and Les Baroudeurs du Sport are in complete agreement with the Belgium goal and will soon be planning the next time they visit Hamburg ….
A well-deserved lead for France however, it was a chance one
90′ France 1-0 Belgium
It was an incredibly tense goal. Kolo Muani missed his shot and it received a massive deflection. France doesn’t seem to care.
They’re entitled to continue They’ve played defensively well and have created opportunities, but they’re not able to find their polished, finished boots. The classic, functional, and gritty Deschamps truly.
Belgium have two offensive changes
“88′ France 1-0 Belgium
In the flash of an eye the position of Belgium in this tournament rests on the edge of a knife.
They’ve responded to the defeat of this objective by making two changes. Dodi Lukebakio and Charles de Ketelaere have been substituted to Carrasco as well as Castagne.