France Cruises Past Belgium in Euro 2024 Thriller: Vertonghen Own Goal Seals Quarterfinal Spot

Munich, Germany – France stormed into the Euro 2024 quarterfinals with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in a high-stakes clash that saw a crucial own goal from Jan Vertonghen decide the fate of the match.

The match, played at the Allianz Arena, was a tense affair with both sides creating numerous chances. France, led by the ever-dangerous Kylian Mbappé, dominated possession but struggled to break down a resilient Belgian defense.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 36th minute when a stunning free-kick from Aurelien Tchouameni curled past Thibaut Courtois, giving France a well-deserved lead.

However, Belgium refused to be silenced. Just before half-time, a controversial penalty was awarded to Belgium after a foul on Kevin De Bruyne inside the box. Romelu Lukaku, who missed the first two games of the tournament due to injury, stepped up and slotted the penalty home, sending the Belgian fans into raptures.

The second half was a tight affair, with both sides looking to claim the decisive goal. The match-winning moment came in the 78th minute. A cross from Theo Hernandez found its way to Vertonghen, who unfortunately deflected the ball into his own net.

This crucial own goal gave France a lead they would not relinquish, securing a hard-fought victory and sending them through to the next round.

Key Takeaways:

• Own Goal Decides Fate: Vertonghen’s unfortunate own goal proved to be the difference in the match, highlighting the importance of concentration and composure in high-pressure situations.

• Tchouameni’s Masterclass: Aurelien Tchouameni’s stunning free-kick opened the scoring and showcased his growing importance to the French midfield.

• Lukaku’s Return: Romelu Lukaku’s penalty goal proved his importance to the Belgian attack, but it wasn’t enough to prevent elimination.

What’s Next?

France will now face the winner of the match between Spain and Portugal in the quarterfinals. This promises to be another intense battle as they aim to maintain their title ambitions and progress further in the tournament.

France continues to be a formidable force in Euro 2024. Their victory over Belgium, fueled by a crucial own goal and strong midfield performances, demonstrates their ability to overcome adversity and secure crucial wins in high-stakes matches. Will they continue their winning streak and lift the trophy? Stay tuned to find out!