Belgium’s hopes of advancing in Euro 2024 were dashed by an 85th-minute own goal from Jan Vertonghen, leading to a 1-0 defeat against France in their last-16 match in Dusseldorf.
Despite France’s struggles to score in open play and their record of having netted the fewest goals in the group stage since the 2010 World Cup, they secured their place in the quarter-finals thanks to Vertonghen’s unfortunate deflection of Randal Kolo Muani’s shot.
The match saw several missed opportunities for both sides. France, despite dominating possession and creating chances, failed to convert them. Kylian Mbappe had a couple of chances but could not find the target. Marcus Thuram and Antoine Griezmann also came close but could not break the deadlock.
Belgium had their moments too, with Kevin De Bruyne and Yannick Carrasco both coming close. De Bruyne’s free-kick in the 24th minute forced a save from French goalkeeper Mike Maignan, and Carrasco saw his shot blocked. Romelu Lukaku had a chance to give Belgium the lead but was thwarted by Maignan, while another chance for De Bruyne in the 83rd minute was also denied.
As the game neared its end, France finally broke through when Kolo Muani’s shot deflected off Vertonghen’s leg, handing France a crucial lead. Despite late attempts by Belgium, including a missed opportunity from Lukaku, they could not equalize.
France will now face the winner of the Portugal vs. Slovenia match in Hamburg on Friday, aiming to improve their attacking performance as they advance further in the tournament.
