The match was dominated by France, the game remained scoreless until five minutes before the end when Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen accidentally deflected a cross from French substitute Randal Kolo Muani into his own net.
Despite France’s dominant performance and multiple missed opportunities, it appeared the game might go into extra time. However, Kolo Muani’s cross, which was initially off target, was redirected by Vertonghen past Belgian goalkeeper Koen Casteels, securing the victory for France.
This win propels the 2022 World Cup runners-up into a quarter-final match in Hamburg on Friday, keeping their hopes alive to win the European Championship for the third time.
France has yet to score from open play in the tournament, with their only goals coming from a penalty by captain Kylian Mbappe and two own goals by their opponents.
However, their defense has been solid, conceding only one goal so far from a penalty.
Belgium, looking to avenge their 2018 World Cup semi-final loss to France, were disappointed again as their campaign ended early.
Both teams had something to prove: Belgium sought redemption from their past defeat, while France aimed to recover from an early exit in the last Euros.
France, despite being the pre-tournament favorites, had an underwhelming group stage performance. The team was affected by Kylian Mbappe’s broken nose in their opening game and Antoine Griezmann’s inconsistent form.
For the match against Belgium, French coach Didier Deschamps made key changes, bringing in Griezmann and Marcus Thuram.
Belgium’s coach, Domenico Tedesco, adjusted his strategy by including Yannick Carrasco and Lois Openda to bolster their attack, while Kevin De Bruyne played a more defensive role.
Despite hopes for a high-scoring game, Belgium focused on defense and rarely threatened the French goal.
France had several chances in the first half, including a close header by Thuram and shots by Aurelien Tchouameni.
They intensified their efforts in the second half, with Mbappe and Tchouameni both coming close to scoring.
Belgium’s best opportunity came when Carrasco’s shot was blocked by Theo Hernandez.
Late in the game, French goalkeeper Mike Maignan, made crucial saves to deny Lukaku and De Bruyne.
Ultimately, the decisive moment came in the 85th minute when N’Golo Kante passed to Kolo Muani, whose shot deflected off Vertonghen to secure France’s place in the quarter-finals.
