France narrowly defeats Belgium with luck to advance

(Patria) - The French national team has qualified for the quarter-finals of the European Championship after narrowly defeating Belgium 1-0 tonight with a bit of luck.

Much more was expected from the match between France and Belgium, as for many it was the derby of the round of 16 of the European Championship, but in the end, the spectacle we all wished for did not materialize.

As expected, France had possession of the ball from the start of the match, while the Belgians focused more on counter-attacks, but the first half-hour of the match was mostly played between the two penalty areas without any notable chances.

France had the first serious chance of the match in the 34th minute when Kounde delivered a great cross from the right side, but Thuram shot poorly with his head from a good position, and the ball went over Belgium's goal.

France threatened in the first minute of first-half stoppage time when Tchouameni was alone 15 meters from Belgium's goal and ran onto a rebound, but he also shot over the opponent's goal.

At the start of the second half, France was again more dangerous. The Tricolors threatened again in the 49th minute through Tchouameni, but there was no change in the score.

Two minutes later, Kounde and Thuram collaborated again. The French right-back delivered another excellent cross, but the Tricolors' striker still couldn't head the ball into the Belgians' goal.

The Tricolors had another chance in the 54th minute. This time, Mbappe beat two Belgian players and shot over the goal.

The penalty for the missed chances could have come in the 61st minute. Belgium had their first serious threat when Carrasco went alone towards the French goal, but he took too long to set himself up, and Theo Hernandez managed to block him at a crucial moment.

Belgium had another chance ten minutes later. This time, Romelu Lukaku was in a good position and shot well, but Maignan managed to save it. It was the first shot by the Belgians on target in this match.

Just three minutes later, there was a chance at the other end. Saliba tried from about five meters, but the French defender shot wide.

In the 79th minute, another chance for France when Mbappe shot from the edge of the penalty area, but just like before, the ball went over the goal.

Four minutes later, the Belgians had another excellent chance to punish the Tricolors. Kevin de Bruyne shot well from about 18 meters, but Maignan managed to save it and spare his team.

The penalty for this miss came in the 85th minute. France looked completely uninspired in this move, but eventually, the ball reached substitute Kolo Muani, who shot, and the ball hit Vertonghen and ended up in Belgium's net for a 1-0 lead.

The Tricolors had a lot of luck in this situation, but it was enough for them to score the goal that ultimately took them to the quarter-finals.

The Belgians tried to equalize and force extra time in the final minutes of the match, but the score did not change. France will play the winner of the Portugal vs. Slovenia match in the quarter-finals, which is being played tonight at 9 PM.