France Edges Past Belgium to Advance in Euro 2024 Quarterfinals

In a tense Round of 16 match at Euro 2024, France managed to secure a narrow 1-0 victory over Belgium to advance to the quarterfinals. The match, held on July 1, 2024, saw France take the lead late in the second half thanks to an own goal from Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen.

The game was a cagey affair, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. France had more possession and looked more threatening in the final third, but Belgium’s defense held firm for most of the match.

The breakthrough came in the 85th minute when Randal Kolo Muani’s scuffed shot from the edge of the box took a deflection off Vertonghen and looped over Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into the net. It was a cruel blow for Belgium, who had defended valiantly throughout the match.

France, who had failed to score a first-half goal in 3 of their 4 games at Euro 2024, will be relieved to have secured the win and progress to the quarterfinals. They will now face the winner of the Round of 16 match between England and Germany.

For Belgium, it was a disappointing end to their Euro 2024 campaign. The team, which had been tipped as one of the favorites to win the tournament, struggled to find their form throughout the group stage and failed to progress past the Round of 16.

The match was a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semifinal, which France also won 1-0. With this victory, France maintains their perfect record against Belgium in major tournaments, having won all four of their previous meetings.

The match statistics show that France had 55.1% possession and 19 shots, with 2 on target. Belgium had 44.9% possession and 5 shots, with 2 on target. The only goal of the match was Vertonghen’s own goal in the 85th minute.

France will now look to build on this victory as they prepare for the quarterfinals. For Belgium, it will be a time for reflection as they look to rebuild and come back stronger in future tournaments.