France overcame Portugal in penalties after a tense goalless draw in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals on Friday, setting the stage for a semi-final against Spain.
Theo Hernandez scored the decisive penalty, leading France to a 5-3 shootout win. This marked a significant moment as it likely concluded Cristiano Ronaldo’s last appearance in the tournament.
France executed their penalties flawlessly, contrasting with Portugal’s Joao Felix, who missed, hitting the post on his team’s third attempt. This success in the shootout was a shift for France, who had previously lost in similar high-stakes situations, including the 2022 World Cup final and the last Euros.
Kylian Mbappe, replaced during extra time by Bardley Barcola, had a challenging night, still seeking his form while wearing a protective mask due to an injury. Despite his early exit, France advanced without him.
The match in Hamburg proved underwhelming, with neither team reaching their potential. France, in particular, has not scored in open play throughout the tournament. Despite less possession, they relied on strong defence and brief moments of intensity. Randal Kolo Muani, starting due to his impact in the previous game, and Eduardo Camavinga, filling in for the suspended Adrien Rabiot, were key players for France.
Portugal attempted to break the deadlock with efforts from Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha, but French goalkeeper Mike Maignan was resolute. The game, devoid of goals in regular and extra time, moved to a penalty shootout where France emerged victorious, setting up a promising clash with Spain.
