EURO 2024 round of 16 fixtures Result: France 1-0 Belgium
EURO 2024 round of 16 fixtures Result: France 1-0 Belgium
After a late own goal by Jan Vertonghen, France overcame their neighbours Belgium to go to the round of eight at EUR0 2024.
As expected from two sides who have faced off in previous FIFA World Cup and UEFA Nations League semifinals, France and Belgium shown a great deal of respect for one another from the outset of this match. This resulted in cautious early probing by Les Bleus, who were busier than ever trying to break through their opponents’ five-man defense.
But the true shiver came from the other end. Belgium had become adept at waiting for counterattacks, but their closest approach to taking the lead came from a dead ball. Mike Maignan had to make a last-minute stop with his feet as Kevin De Bruyne’s free kick sailed past everyone and into the France area.
That signaled a promising stretch for the Red Devils, who were still lucky to draw level at the interval with Marcus Thuram missing a header from a cross from Jules Koundé and Aurélien Tchouameni scoring a spectacular goal. Following the break, Tchouameni also had the first bite, but Koen Casteels punched away his attempt from the fringe after Wout Faes deflected it.
Though their objectives were mainly misguided, France was increasing pressure. Once Romelu Lukaku had at least located the target for Belgium, Thuram, Tchouameni, and Kylian Mbappé all missed opportunities, while William Saliba miscued a shot. The Roma striker put Maignan to the test with a powerful shot, and the France goalkeeper matched De Bruyne’s drive as well.
Before the breakthrough eventually materialized, the Red Devils appeared as though they may make France pay for their missed opportunities. The catalyst was substitute Randal Kolo Muani, who turned in the vicinity and beat Casteels with a shot that deflected Jan Vertonghen, a critical block. Maybe harsh on Belgium, but at least France had advanced to the quarterfinals and has long promised to attack.
Important Statistic
- France has now advanced to at least the quarterfinals in six of the previous seven major competitions, including three FIFA World Cups and three UEFA EUROs.
- At important events, Les Bleus has defeated Belgium in all five of their encounters.
- In their 76 encounters versus Belgium, France has won 27, lost 30, and drawn 19.
- In their previous 15 EURO games, France has only lost one (W8 D6), excluding penalty shootouts.
- Among France’s three goals in EURO 2024 are a penalty kick by Mbappé and two own goals.
- The most games played in the history of the EURO are those in which N’Golo Kanté has never lost (W7 D5).
- In their past 14 encounters with France, Belgium has only triumphed twice (D4 L8).
- In their previous 18 international matches, Belgium has only lost twice (W11 D6).
- In a EURO game, the Red Devils have yet to participate in extra time.