An own goal by Belgium is all it took for France and penalties for Portugal against Slovenia to progress to the quarterfinals for the UEFA European Championship 2024 on Monday night. Belgium and Slovenia bid the tournament farewell at the round of 16 stage.
Tuesday | July 2, 2024
France qualified for the quarterfinals of the Euro 2024 against Belgium at Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf last night.
The goal came in the 85th minute through an own goal by Jan Vertonghen, the Belgium center-back. French striker Kolo Muani took a shot towards goal and it deflected off Vertonghen, sending the goalkeeper Koen Casteels the wrong way.
With five (5) minutes of regulation time remaining, the Belgians dug deep to find an equaliser. However, all their efforts proved fruitless as the clock was ticking away. They had left it too late and thus, lost the duel 1-0.
Generally, it was a lacklustre game with few clear goal-scoring opportunities. Both teams were conservative hence only two shots on target were observed on either side betraying the supreme talent on the pitch.
On balance, France had more foray attacks and attempts. It is no surprise they emerged victorious on a boisterous Monday night coloured anticipation to advance in the next stage.
So France will come across yet another heavyweight Portugal in the quarterfinals at the magnificent Volksparkstadion in Hamburg on Friday July 5 at 18h00.
Slovenia drag Portugal to penalties
In Frankfurt, Portugal and Slovenia played to a goalless draw on Monday at Deutsche Bank Park. There were no goals in the 90 minutes of regulation time. Neither did the 30 extra-time minutes bear any.
This round of 16 match was decided on penalties and Portugal won by 3-0 to book their place in the quarterfinals with France.
Today
Monday, July 2 EURO 2024:
Romania vs Netherlands at Allianz Arena (Munich) – 18h00
Austria vs Türkiye at Red Bull Arena Leipzig (Leipzig) – 21h00