France storm into quarters
Kolo Muani's late goal helps the French beat Belgium
Another frustrating match for Kylian Mbappé. Another underwhelming performance by France at the European Championship. Didier Deschamps isn't concerned - his team is into the quarterfinals.
"It's beautiful," the France coach said after Les Bleus relied on the ninth own-goal scored at Euro 2024 to squeeze past Belgium 1-0 in the round of 16 on Monday.
A heavyweight match between neighbors and teams ranked No. 2 (France) and No. 3 (Belgium) failed to live up to its billing, and the nature of the only goal proved to be fitting.
Randal Kolo Muani, on as a second-half substitute, turned in the area and sent in a shot in the 85th minute that deflected off Belgium defender Jan Vertonghen and looped over stranded goalkeeper Koen Casteels.
"I was lucky enough to get my shot on target," he said of his decisive intervention. "It was blocked but it went in. We're very, very happy and very, very proud."
UEFA thought differently about the destination of Kolo Muani's shot and put it down as an own-goal, the latest in a tournament full of them.
It's the second own-goal earned by France while there has also been a penalty by Mbappé. It means a France player has yet to score from open play.
"Even if today that goal was enough to get us to the quarterfinals, we have the capability to score more," Deschamps said.
France will play Portugal or Slovenia in the last eight on Friday. Mbappé, again wearing a mask to protect his broken nose sustained against Austria in France's opening match, had five of France's 20 shots but none were on target. He played mostly on the left wing and was well-marshalled by a Belgian defensive set-up that included Kevin De Bruyne - the team's most creative player - deployed as a deeplying midfielder.
De Bruyne had more clearing headers than incisive passes before being pushed further forward for the final half-hour of the game.
I was lucky enough to get my shot on target," he said of his decisive intervention. "It was blocked but it went in.” Randal Kolo Muani French player