Euro 2024: France reach quarter-finals, shatter Belgium's dreams with 1-0 win

Substitute Randal Kolo Muani scored with five minutes left to help two-time champions France storm into the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 with a 1-0 win over dismal Belgium. France will face the winner of Monday's encounter between Portugal and Slovenia in the quarterfinals on Friday in Hamburg.

With the game heading into extra time, Kolo Muani received a pass from N'Golo Kante and struck a shot that rebounded off Jan Vertonghen and past goalie Koen Casteels. France dominated for the majority of the game, with Tchouameni and Marcus Thuram creating chances on both sides of halftime, and Kylian Mbappe quick-footed and dangerous. Belgium could have won the game late on, as Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne forced superb saves.

France dominated much of the game against Belgium, showing initiative but struggling with their finishing. However, a well-crafted sequence culminated in N'Golo Kante's



assist to Kolo Muani, who managed to score off Jan Vertonghen's leg. The match reflected the cautious approach of both teams, ranked second (France) and third (Belgium) in the world respectively. Despite their earlier struggles in the group stage, both sides played defensively, with Belgium particularly slowing down the pace and Kevin de Bruyne playing a pivotal role just ahead of their defense.

France had opportunities throughout the game, notably a missed header by Marcus Thuram and several chances saved by Belgian goalkeeper Koen Casteels. Kylian Mbappe also had moments of activity, although his finishing was not clinical. A decisive moment came when Theo Hernandez's tackle halted a promising Belgian attack, followed by saves from Mike Maignan against Romelu Lukaku and De Bruyne. Despite France's earlier missed chances from William Saliba and Mbappe, Kolo Muani's late goal secured their victory in a hard-fought match.