France beat Belgium 1-0 in Dusseldorf on Monday to reach the quarterfinals of EURO 2024.
[ MORE: EURO 2024 schedule, bracket ]
Ranal Kolo Muani’s late deflected shot, which went down as a Jan Vertonghen own goal, was the difference as France have now scored one penalty kick and have two own goals to their name at this tournament.
Belgium hung in there as France missed plenty of big chances and Mike Maignan was busy at the other end in the second half as he kept out Romelu Lukaku and Kevin de Bruyne.
Didier Deschamps’ French side were the better team and deserved the bit of luck they got to send them through to the quarterfinals.
France yet to fire on all cylinders
They’re in the quarterfinals but star-studded France are yet to get going. That is scary for everyone else. They’ve scored a penalty and two own goals in their four games so far and Deschamps’ side look solid defensively (just one goal conceded) but are a little disjointed in attack. They’re still carving out chances and Mbappe, Griezmann and Thuram all had big opportunities against Belgium. Unlike some of the other big boys, France know they are playing well and creating chances and eventually it should click. They’re in the last eight without having to break a sweat. That is the sign of a team that is extremely comfortable with how they’re being asked to play and so many of these players have either won the World Cup or played in the World Cup final. That experience is proving key and France are grinding out results. It isn’t impressive but it’s effective.
France vs Belgium player ratings
Via our friends at FotMob.com you can see France’s defensive unit were excellent with Maignan making some big stops. Tchouameni was everywhere and got plenty of shots in from midfield, while Theo Hernandez and Jules Kounde were great at full back and N’Golo Kante shored things up. Belgium never really got going in attack, while Casteels made some good saves in goal.
What’s next?
France will play the winner of Portugal vs Slovenia in the quarterfinals on Friday in Hamburg at 3pm ET.
How to watch France vs Belgium, stream link and start time
Kick off: Monday (July 1), Noon ET
Stadium: Dusseldorf
How to watch on TV in USA: Fox Sports
France vs Belgium final score: 1-0
Vertonghen OG 85'
France vs Belgium live updates! - By Joe Prince-Wright
Full time: France 1-0 Belgium
That was a close one but France created more chances and eventually their pressure told. Belgium hung in there but they couldn’t make the most of some decent chances in the second half. France are through to the last eight where they will face either Portugal or Slovenia.
Kolo Muani’s deflected effort goes in! - France 1-0 Belgium (85th minute)
Randal Kolo Muani gets free in the box and his shot into the ground deflects off of Jan Vertonghen and beats Casteels. The French fans go wild. That is so tough on Belgium.
Randal Kolo Muani's shot deflects off Jan Vertonghen and goes in. France make the late breakthrough against Belgium, and they probably deserve it. Such a tight game and that is harsh on Belgium. #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/UE81n4vOYX
— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) July 1, 2024
De Bruyne smashes an effort on goal but Maignan saves
Just eight minutes to go and that is a big chance for Belgium. The ball drops to De Bruyne and he smashes a shot on goal but Maignan beats it away.
Saliba cuts inside and curls wide
William Saliba cuts inside and curls just wide with his left foot. What a goal that would have been.
Lukaku denied by Maignan
Mangala drives forward and finds Lukaku and his drilled low shot is pushed out by Maignan, and it was a good stop as Tchouameni deflected it. That has given Belgium some hope.
Theo Hernandez with an incredible tackle
After a loose ball, De Bruyne sets Carrasco free and he’s in but Theo Hernandez comes from nowhere to make an incredible last-ditch tackle. France get away with that mistake.
Mbappe accelerates away but fires over
The way Mbappe glides over the ground is a joy to watch. He cuts in from the left and accelerates away from several Belgian players but his curling shot is over the bar. Just over 30 minutes to go.
France knocking on the door
Tchouameni’s shot from the edge of the box deflects off Faes and Casteels pushes it wide. Moments later Thuram heads over and he should probably do better with that one.
Half time: France 0-0 Belgium
It has kind of gone as expected. Belgium are digging in but France look fluid and are carving out chances. Mbappe is causing problems and Belgium can’t get Kevin de Bruyne on the ball enough in dangerous areas. Still, it’s level in Dusseldorf at the break.
Tchouameni blasts over
More good play by France out wide and the ball is cut back to Aurelien Tchouameni but he blasts off target. Great opportunity just before half time.
Thuram heads wide
What a chance for France! A great cross is whipped in but Marcus Thuram heads the ball wide from six yards out. The angle was a little tight but he’s disgusted with himself.
De Bruyne’s free kick saved by Maignan
Kevin de Bruyne whips a free kick on goal which Maignan saves strangely with his feet. He kept it out but that was not convincing.
Mbappe’s shot flies over
A short corner falls to Mbappe and his shot looks to deflect off Onana but a goal kick is given. France are not happy but that’s better from them.
We are underway in Dusseldorf and it’s a slow start
Belgium are seeing plenty of the ball. France are sitting back deeper.
France lineup
Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez; Kante, Tchouameni, Rabiot; Griezmann; Thuram, Mbappe
Belgium lineup
Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate; Carrasco, Onana, De Bruyne, Doku; Lukaku, Openda
France team news, focus
The talk often centers on Mbappe, but central midfielder N’Golo Kante and center back William Saliba have looked strong, as has goalkeeper Mike Maignan. France’s success may ride as much on its ability to stifle teams as the punch of Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and Co.
Belgium team news, focus
Youri Tielemans and Kevin De Bruyne are the Red Devils’ goal scorers, and ‘KDB’ has been threatening often. Romelu Lukaku has had multiple big chances and even goals denied him by VAR.
France vs Belgium prediction
Could an upset be in the cards? Can Belgium’s golden generation keep the clock turned back for a few weeks? France 1-2 Belgium.