France v Belgium result: Late own goal gifts France spot in Euro 2024 quarter-finals

NZ Herald

1 Jul, 2024 06:46 PM2 mins to read

William Saliba of France fights for the ball with Romelu Lukaku of Belgium during the Euro 2024 round of 16. Photo / Getty Images

France 1 Belgium 0

France have advanced to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 after an own goal broke the deadlock in 85th minute in a 1-0 win which likely sees an end to Belgium’s ‘golden generation’.

Belgium defender Jan Vertonghen deflected a Kolo Muani shot into his own net to hand the World Cup finalists victory. A minute earlier Belgium captain Kevin De Bruyne had a chance on goal to put his side in the lead but it was saved by French keeper Mike Maignan.

France had 20 total attempts on goal but just one was on target.

They will face either Portugal or Slovenia for a spot in the semifinals.

For Belgium’s golden generation, with the likes of De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Vertonghen, it means another early exit falling short of high expectations at the Euros. They failed to reach the semifinals in 2016 (beaten by Wales) and 2020 (beaten by Italy).

“We made a lot of progress and our opponents were obviously cautious, even if they’re an attacking team on paper. We did everything we could to create chances, and we created more than them, but we played the waiting game and didn’t fall into their trap. I liked that, but obviously you can’t win through possession alone. I’d like us to create more chances,” France coach Didier Deschamps said after the win.