In a thrilling encounter at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, France edged out Portugal 5-3 in a penalty shootout to secure their place in the Euro 2024 semi-finals. The match ended 0-0 after extra time, with both teams missing several chances to score during regular play. France will now face Spain in the semi-finals in Munich on Tuesday, July 9th.
Key Takeaways
- France defeated Portugal 5-3 in a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw in regular and extra time.
- Theo Hernandez scored the decisive penalty for France.
- Joao Felix missed a crucial penalty for Portugal.
- France will face Spain in the semi-finals.
- Cristiano Ronaldo’s final European Championship ends in disappointment.
Match Overview
The quarter-final clash between France and Portugal was a highly anticipated rematch of the Euro 2016 final. Both teams, filled with attacking talent, struggled to find the back of the net during regular and extra time. The best chance of the match fell to Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed from close range in the first period of extra time.
Kylian Mbappe, who played with a mask due to a broken nose, was substituted during extra time, adding to France’s challenges. Despite the stalemate, the penalty shootout provided the drama fans were waiting for.
Penalty Shootout Drama
The penalty shootout saw flawless execution from the French side, with Theo Hernandez scoring the decisive penalty. Joao Felix’s miss for Portugal proved to be the turning point, as his shot hit the post. The French players held their nerve, converting all their penalties to secure the win.
- Ousmane Dembele – Scored
- Cristiano Ronaldo – Scored
- Youssouf Fofana – Scored
- Bernardo Silva – Scored
- Jules Kounde – Scored
- Joao Felix – Missed
- Bradley Barcola – Scored
- Nuno Mendes – Scored
- Theo Hernandez – Scored
Emotional Farewell for Ronaldo
The match marked the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s European Championship journey. The Portuguese star, who has been a pivotal figure in international football, was seen consoling his teammate Pepe, who was in tears after the loss. Ronaldo’s influence on the game was limited due to a lack of service, raising questions about Portugal’s tactical approach.
Looking Ahead
France’s victory sets up a tantalizing semi-final clash against Spain, who defeated Germany in their quarter-final match. The French team will need to regroup and prepare for another challenging encounter as they aim to reach the final on July 14th.
The Euro 2024 tournament continues to deliver exciting and unpredictable moments, with fans eagerly awaiting the next round of matches.
