France have reached the quarter-finals of the European Championship in Germany. The tournament favorites beat Belgium 1:0 in Düsseldorf.
An own goal, the ninth of the tournament, decided the game in the 85th minute. The shot, which in itself was harmless and probably intended as a cross, came from substitute PSG striker Randal Kolo Muani.
France thus maintained their ten-year unbeaten run at finals in the regular season and are back in the European Championship quarter-finals after losing to Switzerland in the round of 16 three years ago. The two-time European champions' next opponent on Friday will be the winner of Monday evening's clash between Portugal and Slovenia.
The match between the world number two (France) and the third-placed team was not unexpectedly lacking in spectacle. The French, who only scored two goals in the group matches - an own goal and a penalty - and were primarily convincing with their "blue bunker" (L'Équipe) in front of their own goal, were dominant for long stretches, but again lacked any great penetration in the final third. The Belgians, who also struggled in the group stage, concentrated on defending and counter-attacking.
Until the decisive own goal, the French posed the greatest threat from crosses and long-range shots. Marcus Thuram, who formed a three-man attack with Antoine Griezmann, who was once again unlucky, and Kylian Mbappé, whose movements are still obviously restricted following his broken nose, missed the goal with two headers from good positions (34th/50th minute). Aurélien Tchouaméni (39./49.), Mbappé (54./78.) and Griezmann (65.) with shots from distance.
The French side took a total of 20 shots, only two of which found their way on target. Belgium, for their part, had their best scenes with quick counter-attacks. A dangerous shot from Kevin de Bruyne was saved by Mike Maignan (83'), while France full-back Théo Hernandez just managed to stop a shot from Yannick Carrasco with a sliding tackle after a sprint. Romelu Lukaku's shot from an awkward angle lacked precision, and a free-kick from De Bruyne (24) was unconventionally cleared by Maignan.
Telegram:
France - Belgium 1:0 (0:0)
Düsseldorf. - 46'810 spectators. - SR Nyberg (SWE). - Goals: 85. Vertonghen (own goal) 1:0.
France: Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez; Kanté, Tchouaméni, Rabiot; Griezmann, Thuram (62. Kolo Muani), Mbappé.
Belgium: Casteels; Castagne (88. De Ketelaere), Faes, Vertonghen, Theate; De Bruyne, Onana, Carrasco (89. Lukebakio); Openda (63. Mangala), Lukaku, Doku.
Comments: Belgium without Meunier (injured). Cautions: 14 for Tchouaméni, 23 for Griezmann, 24 for Rabiot (suspended for the quarter-finals), 76 for Vertonghen, 93 for Mangala.
