The clash between France and Belgium served as a potential classic between two of the world’s top sides, but it turned out as a cagey affair that was ultimately decided by a late twist of fate.
In the match that was live on NBS Sport, Jan Vertonghen’s 85th-minute own goal proved to be the fateful blow that ended Belgium’s EURO 2024 campaign, as France edged their rivals 1-0 to advance to the Quarter-finals.
Despite the star power on display, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Kevin DeBruyne, Antoine Griezmann and Romelu Lukaku starting, the opening stages were a cagey, uneventful affair.
It wasn’t until the 24th minute that the first real chance of note arrived, as Kevin De Bruyne’s dangerous free-kick forced a save from Mike Maignan in the French goal.
As the first half wore on, France began to assert more control, with Marcus Thuram and Aurelien Tchouameni coming close to breaking the deadlock. But Belgium weathered the storm and looked to have the momentum as the teams headed into the interval.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with France dominating possession and territory, but struggling to test Koen Casteels in the Belgian goal.
Mbappe had a couple of efforts, while Thuram nodded just wide, but the French lacked the cutting edge to make their dominance count.
Just when it seemed the match was destined for extra time, a late twist of fate decided the outcome. Lukaku’s wayward pass was pounced upon by Randal Kolo Muani, and his shot took a cruel deflection off the unfortunate Vertonghen to wrongfoot Casteels and hand France the lead.
Belgium pushed hard in the closing minutes, with De Bruyne going close again, but they were unable to find the equaliser their overall play perhaps merited.
In the end, it was heartbreak for Domenico Tedesco’s side, as France’s luck proved the difference on the night.
Didier Deschamps will be relieved to have navigated this tricky tie, but he will know his side will need to improve significantly if they are to go all the way in this tournament, starting with Portugal, who they’ll face on Friday, July 5th.
As for Belgium, the long-awaited breakthrough for their ‘Golden Generation’ continues to prove elusive, leaving many to wonder if their time has now truly passed.
