In a nail-biting match that had us all on the edge of our seats, France clinched a spot in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals after a thrilling 1-0 victory over neighbors Belgium! 🇫🇷⚽️🇧🇪
The showdown between the world's top-ranked teams—No. 2 France and No. 3 Belgium—was intense, but it was an own goal that sealed the deal. Talk about a plot twist! 🎬✨
Substitute Randal Kolo Muani became the hero of the night when his shot in the 85th minute deflected off Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen, looping over the goalkeeper and into the net. Goal or no goal? UEFA credited it as an own goal, but hey, a win's a win! 🥅🎯
\"We're very, very happy and very, very proud,\" Kolo Muani beamed after the match. And who wouldn't be? This victory propels \"Les Bleus\" into the quarterfinals, where they'll face Portugal next. Bring it on! 🏆🔥
Despite the win, it was another tough game for star striker Kylian Mbappé, who's still searching for his first goal from open play in the tournament. Wearing a mask to protect his broken nose (superhero vibes, anyone? 🦸♂️), Mbappé had several shots but couldn't find the back of the net.
Coach Didier Deschamps isn't sweating it, though. \"Even if today that goal was enough to get us to the quarterfinals, we have the capability to score more,\" he said confidently. 🙌💪
Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne, usually the maestro of midfield magic, was held back in a deeper role for most of the game. When he finally moved forward, he created Belgium's best chance, but it just wasn't their night. 😕
As France marches on, fans around the world are buzzing. Can \"Les Bleus\" keep the momentum going? One thing's for sure—we can't wait to find out! 🌟🚀
Reference(s):
France into Euro 2024 quarterfinals after beating Belgium by own goal
cgtn.com
