Euro 2024: France criuse into semi-finals after penalty shootout win over Portugal
Theo Hernandez scored the winning penalty for France after Portugal’s Joao Felix hit the post in the shootout. The match ended 0-0, sending France to a Euro 2024 semi-final against Spain.
Cristiano Ronaldo did not cry this time, unlike during Portugal’s win over Slovenia. Although he scored his penalty, the 39-year-old’s final Euros ended in defeat. He consoled his outstanding 41-year-old teammate Pepe at the end.
Ronaldo was quiet for much of the match. Both teams had chances to win in the second half. France’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan made sharp saves from Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha, and stopped Ronaldo’s follow-up backheel. Kolo Muani’s shot was blocked by Ruben Dias, and Eduardo Camavinga missed a close-range shot.
Substitute Ousmane Dembele hit the post late in the game, but extra-time saw both teams play cautiously. Ronaldo had a half-chance, but it was blocked as Pepe and Dayot Upamecano celebrated their defensive efforts.
Kylian Mbappe, wearing a mask for a broken nose, had to leave the match at half-time after being hit in the face earlier. Despite his absence, France was perfect in the penalty shootout.
Joao Felix was the only player to miss a penalty, hitting the post. This gave Hernandez the chance to score the winning penalty, sending France to face Spain in the semi-final in Munich on Tuesday.
