In a nail-biting quarter-final clash at Euro 2024, France edged out Portugal in a penalty shootout to secure their place in the semi-finals. The match, held in Hamburg, ended 0-0 after extra time, with France winning 5-3 on penalties, dashing Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo’s dreams of advancing further.
Key Takeaways
- France won 5-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in regular and extra time.
- Joao Felix’s missed penalty was the turning point for Portugal.
- Kylian Mbappe was substituted due to fatigue and injury concerns.
- Ousmane Dembele was named the official player of the match.
- France will face Spain in the semi-finals.
The Match Overview
The quarter-final between Portugal and France was a tightly contested affair, with both teams struggling to break the deadlock. The first half was particularly uneventful, with a combined expected goals total of just 0.15, the lowest at any match in Euro 2024. The second half saw a slight improvement, but neither team could find the back of the net, leading to extra time and eventually, a penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout Drama
The penalty shootout was a tense affair, with both teams displaying remarkable composure. However, it was Joao Felix’s missed penalty that proved to be the decisive moment. France converted all five of their penalties, with Theo Hernandez scoring the final one to send France through to the semi-finals.
Penalty Shootout Summary:
- France: ✅✅✅✅✅
- Portugal: ✅✅❌✅
Tactical Decisions and Player Performances
France’s head coach Didier Deschamps made a crucial decision to substitute Kylian Mbappe at half-time in extra time. Mbappe, who had broken his nose in the opening group game against Austria, was visibly struggling. Deschamps explained that it was essential to bring on fresh legs, even though Mbappe is a key penalty taker.
Ousmane Dembele, who came on as a substitute in the 67th minute, was named the official player of the match. His performance was a bright spot for France, and he may be considered for a starting role in the upcoming semi-final against Spain.
Post-Match Reactions
Didier Deschamps expressed his relief and happiness after the match, acknowledging the team’s fatigue and the tight nature of the game. He praised the group’s effort and resilience, which ultimately saw them through to the next round.
Portugal’s Bernardo Silva reflected on the cruel nature of penalty shootouts, acknowledging that luck was not on their side this time. He emphasized the importance of maintaining team spirit and learning from the experience.
Looking Ahead
France’s victory sets up a semi-final clash with Spain in Munich. The team will need to recover quickly and prepare for another challenging match. Kylian Mbappe’s fitness will be a key concern, but the extra days of rest may help him recover in time.
For Portugal, the loss marks the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s European Championship journey. Despite his efforts, including 23 shots at goal during the tournament, he was unable to add to his record of most European Championship games played.
Conclusion
France’s victory over Portugal in the penalty shootout was a testament to their resilience and composure under pressure. As they advance to the semi-finals, the team will need to build on this momentum and address any lingering issues to overcome Spain and potentially win Euro 2024.