France Scores Late to send Belgium home; Portugal Triumphs Over a Thrilling Penalty Shootout

France 1-0 Belgium

France wins over Belgium in a tense Euro 2024 match with a score of 1-0. Thanks to their eye-opening goal in the last minute of the match they were able to secure a victory to reach the quarter-finals. 

Just five minutes before the final whistle, Randal Kolo Muani made a winning goal from the right corner of the net that passed right through Belgian goalkeeper, Koen Casteels. But before France secured their victory, they struggled to finish a goal despite having most of the possession of the match.

France made most of the running but was reckless when it came to finishing until a good passing move saw N’Golo Kanté drive into space before finding Kolo Muani to prod his shot beyond Jan Vertonghen. Belgium had their own chances, with Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne but they also had a hard time after both being denied by French keeper Mike Maignan. 

With this victory, France will now face Portugal with a hope to advance in the semi-final of the tournament. 

Portugal 3-0 Slovenia

Portugal has eliminated Slovenia in a penalty shoot-out, securing its place in the quarterfinals at Euro 2024. Despite the scoreless match, a penalty shootout saved Portugal with a score of 3-0 against Slovenia. 

Ronaldo stepped up to take Portugal’s first of the shootout, having missed his penalty in extra-time. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved penalties from three opponents to send Portugal through. Bernardo Silva scored the winning penalty, following one from Bruno Fernandes.

Portugal had the majority of possession but Slovenia defended well and threatened on the break. Portugal goalkeeper Costa then made a great save to deny Benjamin Sesko what would have been a historic winner for Slovenia in the final minute of extra time. Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty in added time and was visibly emotional afterward, with the rest of his Portugal teammates consoled him.

After this dramatic victory, Portugal is now set to play against France. This upcoming match will show a thrilling face-off of two of the world’s football players, Cristian Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe.