While France might have once again struggled to find much fluidity on Monday evening, Les Bleus punched their EURO 24 quarter-final ticket thanks to a nervy 1-0 victory against Belgium.
Although many of Europe’s biggest superstars might have stolen centre stage in Dusseldorf, chances came at a real premium as both sides struggled to make much of a statement.
While France might have edged ahead of the Red Devils in many departments, Belgium had that chance to snatch a famous late winner of their own as Manchester City talisman Kevin De Bruyne saw his effort denied by Mike Maignan.
However, in a showdown that almost appeared destined to be heading for extra-time, former Tottenham star Jan Vertonghen was left heartbroken as Randal Kolo Muani’s effort was deflected off the veteran defender in the final five minutes.
Dragging themselves over the finishing line here and extending on their European adventure, France will now have all of their attention focused on a heavyweight quarter-final battle against Portugal on Friday night.
As for Belgium, once again drastically falling short on the major tournament stage and mustering just a single victory over in Germany this summer, the Red Devils will be bracing themselves for a major backlash.
On an evening when France had to show their resolve in Dusseldorf, we have taken a look at the main talking points.
France drag themselves over the finishing line
Relinquishing their World Cup crown out in Qatar 18 months ago as they suffered the most brutal of heartbreak in the winter of 2022, France were always seeking an immediate response on the major tournament stage this summer.
Opening their EURO 24 adventure pencilled in alongside fellow European heavyweights England as the pre-tournament favourites, Les Bleus are still waiting to find top gear.
Signing off their Group D run with a 1-1 stalemate against Poland on June 25th and eventually forced to settle for a silver medal finish behind Poland, France…
Source link : https://www.soccernews.com/france-1-0-belgium-what-were-the-main-talking-points-as-les-bleus-snatch-a-quarter-final-ticket-in-dusseldorf/373353/
Author : Tom Dunstan
Publish date : 2024-07-02 07:07:19
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.