In a clash of European giants, France secured their passage to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals with a tense 1-0 victory over Belgium, extending their flawless record against the Red Devils in major tournaments to five consecutive wins.
The match started cautiously, with both sides feeling each other out in the opening stages. Despite the presence of stars like Kylian Mbappé and Romelu Lukaku, clear-cut chances were sparse early on, according to a report by Flashscore.
The breakthrough came in the second half when France began to assert themselves more forcefully. Midfield maestro Aurélien Tchouaméni orchestrated their attacks, testing Belgium's defense with a long-range effort that forced a sharp save from Koen Casteels. The Red Devils responded with moments of their own, notably through Kevin De Bruyne, whose precise passes threatened to unlock the French defense.
As the game wore on, it was Belgium who seemed closer to breaking the deadlock. A well-crafted move saw De Bruyne almost score, only to be denied by a crucial Theo Hernández block. Just when it seemed the match would head to extra time, Randal Kolo Muani provided the decisive moment. His shot, deflected off Jan Vertonghen, wrong-footed Casteels and nestled into the net, sending the French fans into jubilation.
The victory ensures France's progression to the next round, where they await the winners of the Portugal versus Slovenia match. For Belgium, it marks another disappointing exit in a major tournament despite the talent at their disposal, continuing the narrative of near misses for their heralded 'Golden Generation'.