France Triumphs in Hamburg Thriller: Edges Out Portugal 5-4 in Penalty Shootout (updated)

Ousmane Dembele started the shootout for France, with Cristiano Ronaldo matching for Portugal. Youssouf Fofana successfully took France’s second kick, followed by Bernardo Silva for Portugal. Jules Kounde then scored France’s third kick, but Joao Felix’s attempt for Portugal hit the left post and missed.

Bradley Barcola secured France’s fourth kick, while Nuno Mendes made Portugal’s fourth kick. Finally, Theo Hernandez sealed the win for France with a decisive final kick, sending them to the semifinals.

After 120 goalless minutes, the quarter-final went to penalties. Joao Felix hit the post, while the French scored all five of their shots, securing their ticket to the semi-finals where they will face Spain.

From the very spot where they were eliminated in the last Euro, and where the back-to-back World Cup slipped from their grasp, France managed to secure their path to the semi-finals of Euro 2024!

In a generally lackluster match, France and Portugal remained tied for 120 minutes (0-0). However, in the penalty shootout, France found their redemption, winning 5-3 and securing their ticket to the semi-finals of EURO 2024, where they will face Spain.

This result also marked an ignominious end to Cristiano Ronaldo’s European Championship journey. Despite making history as the only player with six appearances, Ronaldo failed to score in Germany and did not break the record for the oldest scorer in the tournament’s final phase. He couldn’t bid farewell to the Euros with the victory that would have meant so much to him.

Absolute Mutual Neutralization

The two “gladiators” delivered an utterly disappointing first half, characterized by a slow pace, lack of action, and few significant moments. Both teams prioritized defensive security, with both Menian and Costa effectively spectators.

In the 20th minute, the Portuguese goalkeeper denied Theo Hernandez’s long shot, and a minute later, he stopped Mbappe’s powerful turn from the left. Martinez’s side held possession and showed more initiative but struggled to pose a real threat. Their best chance came in the 42nd minute when Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick from a good position sailed over the bar.

Chances on Both Sides, But… Extra Time

The second half, while not drastically different, saw some improvement as both teams increased their energy and sought a goal. In the 61st minute, Menian was called into action, saving Bruno Fernandes’ diagonal shot from inside the area, and Cancelo’s shot missed the target. Two minutes later, the French goalkeeper again made a crucial stop on Vitinha’s shot from inside the area after a Leao pass.

Then it was the Blues’ turn to create chances. In the 66th minute, Dias made an incredible tackle to block Kolo Muani’s shot from an excellent position. Four minutes later, Kamavinga missed a clear chance from the heart of the area, and in the 73rd minute, Dembele’s beautiful volley went just wide.

Neither Portugal nor France could capitalize on late efforts, forcing the match into extra time.

Perfection from the Spot: France Emerges Victorious

Extra time saw little change, despite good moments for Portugal with Cristiano Ronaldo and Mendes. The match proceeded to a penalty shootout. The French remained composed, with Dembele, Fofana, Kounde, Barcola, and Hernandez all converting their penalties. Joao Felix’s miss proved costly, sending France into the semi-finals of EURO 2024.

Penalty Shootout: