Euro 2024 – France 1-0 Belgium: Didier Deschamps’ side labour into the last eight
Report from Euro 2024 as France leave it late to book their spot in the quarter-finals; Randal Kolo Muani’s strike deflects off Jan Vertonghen to beat Koen Casteels and seal victory in 85th minute; France await winner of Portugal vs Slovenia in last eight
France left it late as they laboured to a 1-0 victory against Belgium to book their place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
With the game heading for extra-time, Randel Kolo Muani was France’s hero as his 85th minute strike deflected off defender Jan Vertonghen and past goalkeeper Koen Casteels to seal victory.
France controlled possession for much of the contest and went closest to breaking the deadlock either side of half-time through Marcus Thuram and Aurelien Tchouameni, while Kylian Mbappe also threatened with some dazzling footwork – but his finishing was off colour as France struggled to test Casteels.
Belgium could have won the game themselves late on with Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne both forcing good saves from goalkeeper Mike Maignan, before the scruffy decisive moment sent France through to the next stage.
Didier Deschamps’ side will meet the winner of Monday evening’s match between Portugal and Slovenia in the quarter-finals in Hamburg on Friday (kick-off 8pm).
