France Advances to Quarterfinals with an Own Goal, Belgium Eliminated
France advanced to the quarterfinals with a 1-0 victory over Belgium, thanks to an own goal. Kylian Mbappé’s team scored the only goal of the match in the 85th minute when Randal Kolo Muani’s shot deflected off Jan Vertonghen and into the net.
Fans anticipated a thrilling match between France and Belgium in Düsseldorf, Germany. However, Belgium failed to mount significant attacks, while France consistently missed their shots.
France dominated possession and initiated the attacks, but they couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities. Despite their star-studded lineup controlling the midfield, they were repeatedly halted by Belgium’s defense.
In the second minute, Adrien Rabiot’s shot went wide. Ten minutes in, Belgium’s goalkeeper Koen Casteels saved a shot from Griezmann. In the 18th minute, Marcus Thuram’s header went over the bar. In the 27th minute, a handball by a French defender in the box was not penalized by the referee.
In the 34th minute, Thuram’s powerful header from a Jules Kounde cross went wide. A long-range shot from Tchouaméni in the 40th minute missed the target, ending the first half in a goalless draw.
France resumed their attacks in the second half. Despite increasing their offensive efforts, their shots kept missing the goal.
In the 48th minute, a right-footed shot by Tchouaméni inside the box was saved by Koen Casteels. In the 54th minute, Mbappé’s attempt inside the box went over the bar.
Belgium made efforts amidst France’s dominance. In the 71st minute, Romelu Lukaku’s powerful shot was brilliantly saved by French goalkeeper Mike Maignan. In the 74th minute, William Saliba’s shot inside the box missed the target.
Belgium had their best chance to score in the 83rd minute when De Bruyne’s long-range shot was saved by the French goalkeeper.
In the first half, France made 25 attacks on Belgium’s defense, taking eight shots with only one on target. Belgium made 11 attacks but failed to register a single shot on target
