France Edges Belgium 1-0: Player Ratings & Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals Recap

France Edges Belgium 1-0: Player Ratings & Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals Recap

In a tightly contested match, France managed to secure a 1-0 victory over Belgium, advancing to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. The decisive moment came late in the game when a deflected shot resulted in an own goal by Jan Vertonghen, sealing the win for Les Bleus.

Match Highlights:

First Half: The opening period saw few clear chances. Belgium almost took the lead with a Kevin De Bruyne free-kick, but French goalkeeper Mike Maignan was quick to react. France’s best opportunity came from a Jules Kounde cross that Marcus Thuram headed wide.

Second Half: France increased the pressure, with Aurelien Tchouameni and Kylian Mbappe both coming close to scoring. Belgium had a golden opportunity when Yannick Carrasco was through on goal, but a last-ditch tackle from Theo Hernandez kept the score level.

Decisive Moment: With just five minutes remaining, N’Golo Kante set up Randal Kolo Muani, whose shot deflected off Vertonghen and into the net, sending France through to the next round.

Player Ratings:

Mike Maignan (GK): 7/10 - Made crucial saves to keep Belgium at bay.

Jules Kounde (RB): 7/10 - Contributed both defensively and offensively.

Dayot Upamecano (CB): 6/10 - Solid performance, though had a few shaky moments.

William Saliba (CB): 7/10 - Strong in defense, kept Lukaku quiet.

Theo Hernandez (LB): 8/10 - Excellent both defensively and offensively, crucial in key moments.

N’Golo Kante (CM): 8/10 - Dominated the midfield, pivotal in the winning goal.

Aurelien Tchouameni (CM): 7/10 - Energetic and involved in attacks.

Adrien Rabiot (CM): 6/10 - Steady performance, but not standout.

Kylian Mbappé

Kylian Mbappe (RW): 8/10 - Constant threat, created several chances.

Randal Kolo Muani (ST): 7/10 - Scored the decisive goal, worked hard throughout.

Marcus Thuram (LW): 6/10 - Had a few chances but couldn’t convert.

France will now face either Spain or Italy in the quarter-finals, looking to continue their journey in Euro 2024. Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analysis as the tournament progresses.