Theo Hernandez secured a dramatic victory for France in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, converting the winning penalty after a tense shootout against Portugal. The match ended in a goalless draw, and Portugal’s Joao Felix’s unfortunate strike against the post paved the way for Didier Deschamps’ side to progress to the semi-final clash with Spain.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s farewell to the Euros was bittersweet as he bid adieu following the shootout defeat. Despite successfully converting his own penalty, the 39-year-old football icon was unable to fuel Portugal to victory. The seasoned star was seen consoling his 41-year-old teammate Pepe after the heart-wrenching loss.
The tightly-contested game showcased moments of brilliance from both sides. France’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan displayed exceptional reflexes, denying Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha’s attempts before thwarting Ronaldo’s follow-up backheel. Meanwhile, Kolo Muani’s effort was blocked by Ruben Dias, and Eduardo Camavinga narrowly missed the target from close range.
As the match transitioned into extra time, the intensity refused to wane. Ousmane Dembele came agonizingly close to scoring for France, striking the post in the dying moments of regular time. Extra time saw both recent European champions adopt a cautious approach, with limited opportunities materializing. The spectacle also witnessed a significant moment as Kylian Mbappe, nursing a broken nose sustained earlier in the game, courageously left the field at halftime. However, his absence did not deter his compatriots, who displayed composure in the subsequent penalty shootout.
The critical turning point occurred as Joao Felix failed to convert his penalty, striking the upright and opening the door for Theo Hernandez to seal France’s place in the semi-finals. France’s showdown against Spain in Munich awaits on Tuesday, promising another thrilling chapter in the Euro 2024 tournament. The highly-anticipated clash is set to kick off at 8 pm.
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