France defeats Portugal 5-3 on penalties in Euro 2024 quarter-final after 0-0 draw. Theo Hernandez scores the winning penalty following Joao Felix's miss. Kylian Mbappe subbed off injured. Cristiano Ronaldo converts the penalty but exits the tournament. France to face Spain in semi-finals on Tuesday.
In a tense Euro 2024 quarter-final, France edged past Portugal 5-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in Hamburg. The match, which remained scoreless through 120 minutes, saw both sides create chances but fail to break the deadlock.
France's goalkeeper Mike Maignan proved crucial, making key saves during regular time against Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha. Portugal's 41-year-old defender Pepe put in a heroic performance, making several crucial blocks.
The extra period saw Kylian Mbappe substituted due to an apparent facial injury, raising concerns for France's semi-final prospects. Despite his absence, Les Bleus held their nerve in the penalty shootout.
Cristiano Ronaldo, potentially in his final European Championship at 39, converted his penalty. However, Joao Felix's miss, hitting the post, proved decisive. Theo Hernandez capitalized on this opportunity, scoring the winning penalty to send France through.
The victory sets up a semi-final clash between France and Spain in Munich on Tuesday. France's progression comes despite not scoring from open play in the tournament so far, relying on two own goals and a penalty in earlier matches.
For Portugal, the defeat marks a disappointing end to their campaign, particularly for Ronaldo, who failed to score from open play in what might be his last major tournament appearance.
The match highlighted both teams' defensive strengths but also their struggles in attack. France will need to address their scoring issues before facing Spain, while Portugal will reflect on a tournament that promised much but ended in quarter-final heartbreak.
