Report from Euro 2024 as France leave it late to book their spot in the quarter-finals; Randal Kolo Muani’s strike deflects off Jan Vertonghen to beat Koen Casteels and seal victory in 85th minute; France await winner of Portugal vs Slovenia in last eight
With the game heading for extra-time, Randel Kolo Muani was France’s hero as his 85th minute strike deflected off defender Jan Vertonghen and past goalkeeper Koen Casteels to seal victory.
France controlled possession for much of the contest and went closest to breaking the deadlock either side of half-time through Marcus Thuram and Aurelien Tchouameni, while Kylian Mbappe also threatened with some dazzling footwork – but his finishing was off colour as France struggled to test Casteels.
Belgium could have won the game themselves late on with Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne both forcing good saves from goalkeeper Mike Maignan, before the scruffy decisive moment sent France through to the next stage.
Didier Deschamps’ side will meet the winner of Monday evening’s match between Portugal and Slovenia in the quarter-finals in Hamburg on Friday (kick-off 8pm).
Joy for France, despair for Belgium…
France have now won three successive games against Belgium.
Can they go on to add to their 1984 and 2000 European Championship successes?
Neville: Vertonghen will be devastated by big mistake
Sky Sports’ Gary Neville speaking on ITV about France’s late winner and Vertonghen’s involvement:
“I think Vertonghen will be really disappointed [with the goal], and not just because it gets credited to him as an own goal.
“He has got to shift up. Kolo Muani doesn’t do anything amazing. He’s a little bit scruffy on the turn.
“But he’s got to shift up. Once you’re one or two yards off, that’s not unlucky, it falls into the category of poor defending and he knows that, he’s an experienced player.
“I’ve been there. I would class that from a defender with big experience as a big mistake. He’ll recognise that. He’ll be devastated because what he’ll also be thinking is ‘will it be the last time I’m here?’ That’s where it really hits home for players.”
