By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Own goal secures France’s Euro 2024 Quarter-Final spot
Jan Vertonghen’s own goal in the final moments took France to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals with a narrow 1-0 victory over Belgium in Duesseldorf. Despite dominating the match, France struggled to score until the decisive deflection off Vertonghen from a shot by substitute Randal Kolo Muani. This win sets France up for a quarter-final clash in Hamburg, keeping their hopes alive for a third European Championship title.
Throughout the tournament, France has relied on a strong defense, conceding only one goal from a penalty and scoring three goals, including two own goals from opponents. This defensive solidity was evident against Belgium, whose star forward Romelu Lukaku and his teammates were effectively neutralized.
Both teams sought redemption: Belgium for their 2018 World Cup semi-final loss to France, and France for their early exit in the last Euros. However, France’s group stage performance was underwhelming, with injuries and inconsistent form from key players like Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann affecting their play.
In this match, Griezmann was reinstated to the lineup, and Marcus Thuram started, while Belgium’s coach Domenico Tedesco adjusted his tactics, aiming to bolster their attack with Yannick Carrasco and Lois Openda. Despite these changes, Belgium struggled to create clear chances, with France controlling possession but failing to capitalize on early opportunities.
As the game progressed, France’s urgency increased, with notable attempts from Aurelien Tchouameni and Mbappe. Belgium’s best chance came when Theo Hernandez made a crucial block to deny Carrasco, and Mike Maignan made key saves from Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne.
Ultimately, it was Kolo Muani’s shot, redirected by Vertonghen, that broke the deadlock, ensuring France’s advance to the next round and ending Belgium’s disappointing campaign.
– Own
– Goal
Own goal secures France’s Euro 2024 Quarter-Final spot