France advanced to the Euro 2024 semi-finals after defeating Portugal in a tense penalty shootout. Both Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo struggled, but France’s resilience saw them through despite not scoring from open play.
In Kolkata, the match stayed goalless until the penalty shootout, showcasing an array of attacking talent that couldn’t find the net during regular play. At halftime, the combined expected goals (xG) was a mere 0.15, the lowest in this European championship.
The quarter-final in Hamburg ended with a dramatic penalty shootout where France emerged victorious. Joao Felix’s miss that hit the upright sealed Portugal’s fate. France’s win marks a significant milestone as they had not won a shootout in a major tournament since 1998.
France’s journey to the semi-finals has been remarkable, not least because they haven’t scored from open play in over 500 minutes, taking 86 non-penalty shots, according to Opta. France has also struggled historically in extra-time, having lost all four of their previous matches that extended beyond regular play in major tournaments before this match. However, Diogo Costa, despite his previous penalty-saving prowess, couldn’t replicate his heroics against France.
Kylian Mbappe, masked due to injury, had a challenging night. His performance began with a mispass and culminated in a blocked shot by Pepe. Throughout the match, Mbappe’s attempts were thwarted, and he was eventually substituted, leaving him visibly tense during the penalty shootout.
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of football’s greatest, also had a subdued match. Despite starting strong, his attempts, including a free-kick and a promising delivery from Francisco Conceicao, went unfulfilled. Ronaldo’s presence in Euro 2024 will be remembered for his record appearances and his emotional moments on the field. This tournament saw Ronaldo assisting Bruno Fernandes against Turkey but failing to score himself, a rare occurrence in his illustrious career.
France’s defensive strength was a key factor in their victory. They won 47 duels, three more than Portugal, and maintained a solid backline throughout the match. Pepe, at 41, demonstrated his experience by effectively containing Marcus Thuram. William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano also contributed significantly to France’s defensive efforts.
The match could have taken a different turn had Ronaldo capitalized on his chances, but France’s solid defense and timely saves, particularly by Mike Maignan, ensured a clean sheet. As the game extended into extra-time, both teams had opportunities, but none found the net.
France’s victory highlights the team’s resilience and marks a significant moment as they move forward in the tournament. The team’s multicultural composition reflects a broader societal theme in France as the country approaches a significant vote on its future direction.
