A late own goal by veteran defender Jan Vertonghen ensured France’s not-so-smooth sail to the quarterfinals of the 2024 European Championship in Dusseldorf.
The Belgians had controlled possession for a major part of the game, but the likes of Ngolo Kante, William Saliba, Theo Hernandez, and the ViVo player of the match being solid in their respective roles, kept the French tied.
Didier Deschamp’s men managed to create a number of chances of their own, especially after the introduction of PSG star Kolo Muani and the newest Real Madrid player, Kylian Mbappe.
Les Blues have not impressed in the tournament, but they are so far the luckiest team after a couple of own goals and a penalty sent them through the quarterfinal to face either France or Slovenia.
Lineups
France: Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernández, Tchouameni, Kanté, Rabiot; Thuram (Kolo Muani 62), Griezmann, Mbappé
Belgium: Casteels; Castagne (De Ketelaere 88), Faes, Vertonghen, Theate; Openda (Mangala 64), Onana, Carrasco (Lukébakio 88); De Bruyne, Lukaku, Doku
