France wins the ball back deep in their own half, and they use good play to get the ball into the penalty area. It falls to Randal Kolo Muani, who unleashes a shot that deflects off Jan Vertonghen’s knee and wrong-foots goalkeeper Koen Casteels.
It’s complete chaos as the France bench floods the field to celebrate with their teammates. The game was tight, with both teams struggling to establish clear-cut opportunities in the first half. However, France’s Kolo Muani’s deflected effort in the 90th minute proved to be the difference, propelling the French to the quarter-finals. The victory marked France’s fifth consecutive victory over Belgium in major tournaments, with the previous four wins coming in the World Cup & European Championship.
Kolo Muani’s crucial goal lands France in the quarter-Finals
The game was tightly contested, with both teams creating chances but failing to capitalize on them. Belgium’s De Bruyne and Onana contributed significantly to their team’s efforts, but France’s defense stood firm. The match was additionally marked by a number of yellow cards, with Belgium’s Mangala and France’s players receiving bookings.
The tension was palpable as the game entered its final moments, with Belgium battling hard for an equalizer. However, France’s defense held strong, and the match ended with a sigh of relief from the French team. France’s victory marked a significant milestone, as they have now won all four previous major tournament matches against Belgium. Their only previous meeting at the European Championship occurred 40 years ago, in 1984, when France won 5-0 in the group stage. The victory also advanced France to the quarterfinals, where they will face either Portugal or Slovenia. Belgium’s Euro 2024 campaign came to an end with a defeat, but they plan to regroup and return stronger in future tournaments.
France will face the winner of the Portugal vs Slovenia match in the quarterfinals
