France booked their place into the semi-finals of Euro 2024 with a penalty shoot-out win over Portugal after a tetchy 0-0 draw in 120 minutes. Kylian Mbappe did not take a penalty in the shoot-out after he had to be withdrawn in extra-time after he appeared to have issues with his nose once again.
Portugal’s Joao Felix missed the only spot kick in the shoot-out and France will play Spain next up.
France progressed into the Euro 2024 semi-finals as defender Theo Hernandez scored the winning spot-kick in a penalty shoot-out against Portugal.
A goalless match always looked destined to be decided by penalties as the defences prevailed.
Portugal were confident going into the shoot-out after progressing into the quarter-finals after beating Slovenia on penalties following another goalless draw.
However, France were perfect from the penalty spot with Theo Hernandez, Bradley Barcola, Jules Kounde, Youssouf Fofana and Ousmane Dembele all netting to send them through.
Ruthless Spain await France in the semi-final after they beat host nation Germany in Friday’s other quarter-final.
It took over an hour for a notable opportunity when French goalkeeper Mike Maignan was twice forced into action to deny both Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha.
As the game headed towards full-time substitute Ousmane Dembele added extra emphasis into the French attack and found Eduardo Camavinga in space, but he fired wide.
Felix could have sealed victory for Portugal in extra-time but fired into the side-netting and then rattled the woodwork from a decisive penalty kick.
Player of the Match – William Saliba (France)
Portugal asked questions of the French defence with some dangerous balls into their opposition’s penalty area.
However, Saliba was equal to everything which was thrown his way and left Ronaldo feeding off scraps.
France have conceded just one goal in five Euro 2024 matches but will face a fluent Spanish side who are sure to test them further in the semi-final
