Euro 2024 | France eliminates Portugal on penalties

(Hamburg) Les Bleus have overcome the curse. After three consecutive penalty shootout defeats in a major tournament, the French team managed to beat Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, their first major opponent at the Euro (0-0 after extra time, 5 penalty shootouts to 3), to reach the semi-finals on Friday in Hamburg.

The Tricolores remained on three major disappointments in this exercise, in the final of the 2006 and 2022 World Cups and in 8^e Euro 2021 finals. But they finally managed to break this vicious cycle to continue their adventure in Germany.

It was the unfortunate Joao Felix who saw his attempt pushed back by Mike Maignan’s post, propelling the Blues into the last four.

The vice-world champions now have a date with Spain on Tuesday in Munich, for a clash that promises to be a real treat between the imperial French defense and the fiery attack of La Roja.

Certainly, the Blues have once again displayed their shortcomings in attacking animation but they have once again relied on their iron rearguard to avoid an exit through the back door.

This French success marks the twilight of Cristiano Ronaldo, whose international future looks uncertain at 39 years old. CR7 dreamed of a second continental title, eight after the one he won at the Stade de France against Didier Deschamps’ men. But he seemed overwhelmed and without influence and leaves his sixth Euro without having scored a single goal.

This qualification is, however, a breath of fresh air for the French coach. Under contract until 2026, the 55-year-old technician would undoubtedly have experienced some turbulence in the event of premature elimination in the quarter-finals, especially after so many lackluster performances. But he has once again demonstrated that he is the man for major competitions, even if his team’s style is regularly criticized.

Mbappé worrying

In four days against Spain, Deschamps will have the opportunity to offer a fourth final in five tournaments to France, a permanence in the upper echelons of international soccer which has something to command respect.

Above all, he will hope that this confrontation will inspire his captain Kylian Mbappé a little more, author of a worrying performance, a very bad habit since the start of the Euro. Before joining Real Madrid, the superstar of the Blues will undoubtedly be keen to play a dirty trick on his future adopted country.

Mbappé knew that the match against Ronaldo’s Portugal would not be like the others. Facing the idol of his childhood, he was not up to the task and once again appeared awkward, unable to make a big difference with the ball at his feet.

The captain, who had a chaotic end to the season at PSG, a preparation spoiled by problems (back, knee) then a broken nose at the start of the Euro, was unable to escape his torpor and left everyone wanting more.

He who had scolded his teammates the day before for their inability to send him balls in depth, did not necessarily score points with his teammates. Apart from a curling shot without any danger for Diogo Costa, the Portuguese goalkeeper (50^e), he did not distinguish himself at any time. He even had a big scare when he received the ball in the head but his broken nose held up well (55^e), before giving up his place at half-time of extra time.

It took the exit of Antoine Griezmann, who was also hardly convincing, and the entry into play of Ousmane Dembélé (67^e) to bring dynamism to the attack. The Parisian, with his accelerations and his crosses, sowed panic in the Portuguese defense, which Eduardo Camavinga, starting in the absence of Adrien Rabiot, suspended, almost took advantage of (70^e). The Parisian then narrowly missed the opening with a long-range shot (74^e).

France can especially say a big thank you to Mike Maignan, who made two great saves in front of Fernandes (60^e) then Vitinha (64^e). France may not have an attack but it has an iron defense, capable of taking it very far.