France edge tense contest with Belgium to reach Euro 2024 quarter-finals

NEWS WIRES

1 July 2024 at 2:07 pm·1-min read

A late own goal by Jan Vertonghen sent France into the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on Monday at Belgium's expense.

Jan Vertonghen's late own goal took France into the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on Monday as they edged Belgium 1-0 in a tense tie in Duesseldorf.

France had dominated the last-16 clash but their profligate finishing looked set to force extra time until they finally found a way through with five minutes left.

Substitute Randal Kolo Muani collected the ball inside the Belgian penalty area and hit a shot that was going wide until a deflection off the unfortunate Vertonghen took it past goalkeeper Koen Casteels.

The lucky break sent the 2022 World Cup runners-up into a last-eight tie in Hamburg on Friday as they remain on course to become European champions for the third time.

"We are so proud to once again be in the quarter-finals. We are expected to get there but we must appreciate it and not think that is something that is just normal," said France coach Didier Deschamps.

France are yet to score from open play in four matches at the tournament -- captain Kylian Mbappe netted once from a penalty against Poland, while their other two goals have come from opposition defenders.

(AFP)

AFP News
Portugal need penalties to set up Euro 2024 showdown with France
Portugal spared Cristiano Ronaldo's blushes but still needed penalties to beat Slovenia after a 0-0 draw to set up a Euro 2024 quarter-final with France, who edged out Belgium 1-0 on Monday.
Evening Standard
'Misstiano Penaldo': John Terry brands BBC 'a disgrace' for dig at crying Cristiano Ronaldo over penalty miss
BBC coverage of the Euro 2024 did not go down well with the former Chelsea captain
The Telegraph
Chart showing hilarity of Cristiano Ronaldo’s free-kick arrogance
By now the routine is familiar around the world, from Turin to Riyadh, Lisbon to Manchester. Team of Cristiano Ronaldo wins promising free-kick, Ronaldo steps up to take it, sets ball down carefully, strides back with purpose, adopts power stance, puffs out cheeks and begins his run up. Meanwhile, fans prepare for a forthcoming goal-kick.
Evening Standard
'Gordon Banks-esque!' Watch Turkey goalkeeper Mert Gunok's last-gasp wonder save at Euro 2024
Besiktas star breaks Austrian hearts with a sublime late stop to ensure Vincenzo Montella’s side book quarter-final place
Evening Standard
Transfer news LIVE! Arsenal plot Gyokeres move; Calafiori bid; Chelsea in Williams offer; De Ligt to Man Utd
Latest updates, gossip, rumours and deals from the summer transfer window
Evening Standard
Manchester United 'accelerate Joshua Zirkzee bid' after £12m compromise for Dan Ashworth's first transfer deal
Sizeable rumoured agent fee has been key to unlocking Bologna striker’s future amid rival AC Milan interest
The Telegraph
Every Euro 2024 quarter-final team ranked: England dead last – this is why
The most boring and ponderous team to watch but you have to be in it to win it and Southgate’s side are still there somehow. Being fun to watch is great but playing badly and winning is not a terrible habit to have in knockout football. Might be wishful thinking but surely they have to play better at some point. Then they might still be dangerous.
The Guardian
Guler the thriller turns killer to conduct Turkey’s greatest night in generation
Real Madrid teenager embraced pressure of occasion to orchestrate team’s raucous victory against Austria
Evening Standard
Liverpool: Euro 2024 star David Hancko confirms Arne Slot talks and verdict on £21m transfer links
New Reds boss is not expected by Slovakia star to raid Feyenoord for a summer transfer
HuffPost
Death Of Teenage Badminton Star Prompts Outrage Over Delayed Medical Response
Video from the incident shows tournament officials watching Chinese athlete Zhang Zhijie for around 40 seconds before medical help arrives.
Evening Standard
Euro 2024 top scorers: Cody Gakpo in four-way tie for Golden Boot lead
The Dutch forward continues his fine scoring run at major tournaments
Evening Standard
Kevin De Bruyne hits out at 'golden generation' question after Belgium's Euro 2024 exit
Red Devils knocked out after late France strike
Evening Standard
Euro 2024: Quarter-final fixtures, results, knockout schedule, group standings
European Championship now down to the final eight teams in Germany
The Telegraph
Leeds youngster Archie Gray sold to Tottenham for £30m in new low for fans
Archie Gray has completed his £30 million move to Tottenham Hotspur and has admitted being a Celtic supporter played a role in him choosing to work with Ange Postecoglou.
Evening Standard
Jude Bellingham unlikely to face Euro 2024 ban after controversial gesture in big boost for England
Real Madrid star insists celebration was an ‘inside joke’
The Telegraph
Arsenal finally sign David Raya permanently for £27m – and pave way for Aaron Ramsdale’s exit
Arsenal have signed goalkeeper David Raya on a permanent basis from Brentford in a deal worth around £27 million.
The Telegraph
Cristiano Ronaldo cries only for himself – his preening for Portugal is inexcusable
“Inexplicable moments,” declared Cristiano Ronaldo, as portentously as you would expect from a man who earns £2.5 million for each Instagram message sent to his 633 million followers. It was perhaps the politest way he could have described his own performance during Portugal’s victory over Slovenia. A more fitting label, as you watched him designate every free-kick for himself and throw his arms about in disgust as Petar Stojanovic had the temerity to dispossess him, was “inexcusable”.
Associated Press
Mert Gunok's wonder-save at Euro 2024 sparks Turkish celebrations, and praise from Austrian rivals
A moment of Mert Gunok brilliance sparked celebrations for Turkish fans and a big exclamation from Austria rival Michael Gregoritsch, who described it as one of the best saves he’d ever seen. Goalkeeper Gunok pulled off one of the saves of the European Championship deep into injury time on Tuesday to secure Turkey’s place in the quarterfinals. “I think that’s one of the best saves I’ve ever seen live on the field,” Gregoritsch said.
Evening Standard
Romania 0-3 Netherlands: Cody Gakpo shines as Dutch seal quarter-final spot
The Dutch answered their critics after a defeat to Austria last week
Evening Standard
Gareth Southgate's gamble is yet to pay off - and England need to change system as a result
Imbalance has caused Three Lions problem in all four games

Latest stories