France ascend into the semi-finals of the 2024 European Championship, defeating Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal via the lottery of penalties.
The first 45 was shrouded with incoherence in the final third alongside poor crosses by the creative outlets of Roberto Martinez’s side.
Bruno Fernandes, and Nuno Mendes amongst others had opportunities to send dangerous balls into the area, but they just didn’t deliver on many occasions.
France Started On The Ascendency, Before Portugal Took Control Of The Affair
France started regulation time with a spark of electricity, however, they tailed off as the opening half wore on, although they tested Portugal’s goalie Diogo Costa on a couple of occasions.
Four minutes before the end of normal time in the first 45, the Selecao were handed a free-kick after Vitinha was brought down outside the box of France.
Cristiano Ronaldo took the ball and placed it on the turf, with Fernandes also standing over the ball.
The free-kick became a thing of interest, as several people were looking to see who would take the free-kick, anyway, after further ado, Bruno Fernandes took the set-piece, with the ball sailing over that bar.
Mike Maignan Denies Bruno Fernandes
Portugal had a big chance four minutes after the hour mark, as Joao Cancelo had clipped a through ball into the path of Fernandes.
The Manchester United man took the effort first-time, directing the ball towards the bottom corner.
However, France goalkeeper Mike Maignan made an excellent save to deny the midfielder.
In the 66th minute, Kolo Muani played a nice one-two with Joules Kounde, with the PSG attacker getting the return pass inside the box of Portugal.
Muani went one-on-one with goalie Costa, before hitting a cracking volley, but Ruben Dias put his body on the line to stop the effort from entering the net.
Both teams continue to have intermittent spells of possession, but never really having the urgency and cutting edge needed to get the crucial goal.
The game ended 0-0 in relegation time, before progressing into extra time, where the two teams also tried to get the opener despite the evident show of tiredness and weariness.
The best chance in extra-time fell to Portugal, with Fabio Conceicao carrying the ball into the box and sending a cross towards the back post.
Joao Felix was there to meet it, but his header just sailed agonizingly to the side of the goalpost.
Both Sides Could Not Be Separated After 120 Minutes Of Action
The extra time also ended with both sides still level, with the lottery of penalties needed to settle the affair.
Ousmane Dembele went first for France, expertly converting his spot-kick before Cristiano Ronaldo also netted the opening penalty for Portugal.
France’s Youssouf Fofana also scored his, while Bernardo Silva of Portugal, directed his strike into the top corner.
Jules Kounde went next for France and he put home his penalty, while Joao Felix missed from the spot for Roberto Martinez’s side.
Bradley Barcola and Theo Hernandez netted theirs, while Nuno Mendes’ brilliant taken penalty sandwiched those of the aforementioned pair.
France have dumped out the 2016 European Championship champions, who they lost to in the final of the competition.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Last European Championship Outing
Didier Deschamps’ side have progressed into the final, with Cristiano Ronaldo bidding bye-bye to the Euros at the juncture.
He indicated earlier this week that this is going to be his last dance at the European Championship and all kudos to him for the career he has had.
Ronaldo guided Portugal to the continental prize in 2016 and was looking to do so in 2024, however, Les Blues were sublime from the spot.
Who Will France Play In The Semi-finals?
They face Spain on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, in the semi-finals, in a game that is expected to be a blockbuster.
