Belgium’s Jan Vertonghen’s own goal in the final minutes of the game on July 1, gave France a 1-0 victory and a ticket to the Euro 2024.
France, the two-time champions, controlled much of the game, but the match seemed headed for extra time until Jan Vertonghen deflected the ball into his own net in the 85th minute, attempting to block a shot by France’s Randal Kolo Muani, who had come on as a substitute.
Despite failing to score from open play in their four tournament matches so far, France were worthy winners, having dominated the game with 19 shots on goal compared to Belgium’s five. They will now face Portugal in the quarterfinals in Hamburg on Friday evening July 5, 2024.
France’s performance follows a trend seen in other top teams at Euro 2024, but for now, they will savour the fact that they have advanced closer to the final, despite not yet playing to their capabilities.
