French National Team Advances to Round of 8 Thanks to Own Goal

The French national team took a 1-0 lead over Belgium in the second round of Euro 2024. France's lead was obtained thanks to an own goal by J. Vertonghen—a Belgian defender—in the 85th minute. Belgium was eliminated in the round of 16 which took place at the Merkur Spiel-Arena, Düsseldorf, Germany, Monday evening, July 1 2024, at 23.00 WIB.

The goal came from a French attack in the Belgian penalty box. Kante gave feedback to Kolo Muani who immediately shot towards goal. This shot hit the knee of Jan Vertonghen—a player in the Belgian defense—and went into the goal.

This own goal allowed France to progress to the next round. Les Bleus' goal was guarded by Mike Maignan and assisted by four defenders: Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano and Theo Hernandez.

In midfield, this team is manned by N'Golo Kante, Adrien Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni. Meanwhile, the spearheads of the French team are Antoine Griezmann, Marcus Thuram and Kylian Mbappe. Kolo Muani came on in the second half to replace N'Golo Kante. This team plays with a 4-3-3 formation.

First Round French National Team vs Belgian National Team Euro 2024

At the start of the match, France and Belgium immediately showed their intention to play attacking. However, after some time, this match was controlled by Les Bleus. They controlled the match but struggled to create dangerous chances in the Belgian defence.

Griezmann fired a shot from outside the penalty box in the 13th minute, but the ball went straight into Casteels' arms.

In the 23rd minute, Belgium got a free kick on the right outside the French penalty box after Griezmann fouled Doku. De Bruyne's ball hit a French player and headed straight for Maignan. He was quite surprised by the direction the ball came from and was forced to block it with his feet.

In the 33rd minute, the French national team had a golden opportunity. Kounde released a cross from the right side, and Thuram headed the ball in the near post area. Unfortunately, the ball only narrowly missed the target.

In the 45+1 minute, France had another chance to shoot after receiving a pass from Mbappe. However, the ball bounced far from the target.

In the end, no goals were scored in this first half. France 0-0 Belgium.

Second Half France vs Belgium

In the second half, neither team made any substitutions. France tried to regain control of the match and put pressure on Belgium.

In the 48th minute, Tchouameni threatened the Belgian goal again. He fired a curling shot from outside the penalty box. The ball hit Wout Faes and turned slightly but was still pushed out of the field by Casteels.

In the 62nd minute Carrasco received a through ball from De Bruyne and entered the penalty box in the right halfspace. Unfortunately, he shot too late and the ball was swept by Theo first.

The 70th minute of the Belgian attack gave Lukaku the opportunity to shoot from inside the penalty box in the left halfspace. The ball hit a French defender, but was blocked by Maignan.

In the 74th minute, France had a chance. Lintasa, who advanced, received a pass from Doku in the right halfspace of the penalty box and then fired a left footed shot. Unfortunately, the ball shot to the outside of the goal.

In the 82nd minute, Belgium got a chance from De Bruyne's kick after successfully attacking from the left side. He cut into the middle and then fired a low shot, but the ball was blocked by Maignan.

The goal was scored in the 85th minute. Initially, Belgium's attack failed and France launched a counterattack from the left side, then the ball was rolled to the right side of the field. Kounde passed the ball to Kante and then to Randal Kolo Muani. Kolo Muani turned around and fired a shot that wasn't too hard. The ball hit Vertonghen and turned without Casteels being able to stop it. 1-0!

In the remaining time, Belgium tried to suppress the French defense. Unfortunately, they were unable to score additional goals. Finally, the score 1-0 lasted until the end.

The composition of the players for the two national teams of France and Belgium

France: Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Lintasa, Theo Hernandez, N'Golo Kante, Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot, Antoine Griezmann, Marcus Thuram, Kylian Mbappe

Coach: Didier Deschamp

Belgium: Koen Casteels; Timothy Castagne, Wout Faes, Jan Vertonghen, Arthur Theate, Jeremy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne, Amadou Onana, Yannick Carrasco, Lois Openda, Romelu Lukaku

Coach: Domenico Tedesco

Source: https://ad2stream.com/bola/tim-nasional-prancis-maju-ke-babak-8-besar-berkat-own-goal/