FRANCE-PORTUGAL: LES BLEUS ADVANCE TO THE SEMI-FINALS AFTER PENALTY SHOOTOUT!

France and Portugal were separated on penalties this Friday evening, in the quarter-finals of the Euro: it is the Blues who join Spain in the semi-finals (0-0, 5 tabs to 3).

IN SUMMARY

The French team qualified for the semi-finals by eliminating Portugal on penalties (0-0, 5-3 on penalties).
Kylian Mbappé did not particularly shine. The captain of the Blues even had a bad evening.
William Saliba and Mike Maignan were the French satisfactions in the quarter. The Blues’ notes.

1:55

The big hiccup of Giroud’s false entry (while Deschamps wanted him for the penalty shootout)

Olivier Giroud was supposed to come on in the final moments of extra time between France and Portugal (0-0, 5-3 on penalties) with a view to taking part in the penalty shootout. But the referee decided otherwise.

0:58

“He has a lot of surprises in store for us too,” smiles Dembélé on Deschamps’ tactics

Ousmane Dembélé on Didier Deschamps’ bluff on the line-up for this quarter-final : “He has a lot of surprises in store for us too. We said we were going to play in a 4-3-3 formation like in the round of 16 and we put ourselves in a diamond formation. That’s how it is. Then we adapt. We stick together and we talk to each other on the pitch. The tactic paid off today.” (press conference)

0:43

Mbappé explains his exit at half-time of extra time

Kylian Mbappé in the mixed zone: “These are emotions, we are really happy! It is very hard to repeat the performances, to be in the last four, we are still there. We will try to recover and prepare slowly for the match against Spain.”

On his exit during extra time: “We spoke with the coach at the end of regulation time already. We said we were going to try. At half-time of extra time, I told him I didn’t feel it anymore, I was too tired. He told me ok, he’s changed.”

“I hope I can help the team in the semi-finals but above all I am very happy for the team. It is up to me to get up to the level against Spain.”

On the performances of the Blues: “It’s difficult to answer, we are in euphoria. Tomorrow we will focus a little more on the performance side. I’m not going to tell you bullshit, in the locker room we didn’t think too much about the fact that we didn’t score. But it’s clear that we have to continue to look into the issue while maintaining this defensive solidity. But we will continue to analyze all that.”

His ball in the head: “Full on the face! Then I ended up on the ground, I couldn’t see very well at first but after that it was okay.”

0:25

Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Tears

The two Portuguese veterans will most likely no longer be there in 2028. After Theo Hernandez’s winning penalty , it was an inconsolable Pepe who collapsed on Cristiano Ronaldo’s shoulder.Portuguese defender Pepe after his team’s elimination against France at Euro 2024 © AFP

0:24

The Spanish press is already launching the France-Spain match

“Important: this Tuesday, everyone with mosquito repellent”: Marca already launches the semi-final between France and Spain, with a reference to Ousmane Dembélé’s nickname when he was at Barça (El mosquito, the mosquito).

0:23

Tchouaméni: “We’ll have to score goals anyway”

Aurélien Tchouaméni (BeIN Sports): “Deserved or not, the most important thing was to win. Everything is not perfect, we have to do better in many areas but we have to be satisfied with qualifying. We are in the semi-final without scoring, it’s historic… but I think we will have to score goals anyway (smile).”

0:21

Pizza night for Griezmann after qualifying

0:20

Ousmane Dembélé elected man of the match

0:11

Huge scenes of joy in the corridors after the victory

The Blues returned to their locker room euphoric after qualifying for the TAB. After running towards the Supporters’ Tribune, the French, led by Upamecano, clap their hands as they join the corridor. Jean Michel Aulas is there. The vice-president of the FFF applauds and shouts “well done guys”. President Philippe Diallo is a few meters away and makes big checks with the players who arrive, including William Saliba.

Among the players, there is only one phrase: “Let’s go!” they shout. All are euphoric except one: Kylian Mbappé, happy, still has a sore nose and it seems to worry him. In the locker room, rap. And the Blues shout MVP when Ousmane Dembélé enters. Didier Deschamps, for his part, is applauded by journalists and accredited people when he passes to join his team. He thanks politely, without excessive joy.

V.Jamin

More information here.

0:10

Ball in the face, premature exit… Mbappé’s bad evening

Kylian Mbappé, who suffered a broken nose during the first match of Euro 2024, took a ball to the face during the second half of the France-Portugal quarter-final on Friday. He gave up his place during extra time.

0:10

Deschamps: “We must not trivialize”

Didier Deschamps (BeIN Sports): “It was a very tense, tight match. It could have gone one way or the other, even though we had a more laborious end to the match in extra time. There was perhaps a little more fatigue. It’s decided by the details. I’m very happy for the group that pushed themselves to the limit and got us on the right side. We’re going to enjoy being in the last four. It’s becoming a habit but we shouldn’t trivialize it. It’s the merit of the whole group, those who play and can’t.”

“The penalty shootout? I couldn’t bring Olivier Giroud on. The referee didn’t take the request into account. I had this last change to make, Oliver was a candidate to shoot. There was a kind of calm, even if it was in front of the Portuguese kop. It’s a technical gesture, a power play against the goalkeeper.”

“Mbappé? He’s tired, obviously. Muscularly, it’s not easy with everything he’s had. I saw him struggling during the first half of extra time. It was no use. Kylian has always been honest with me and the group, it was normal to bring in new blood.”

0:02

Nuno Mendes: “Raise your head and continue”

Nuno Mendes (BeIN Sports): “It’s tough. We gave it our all, we didn’t miss anything. The team had chances but we didn’t score, that’s football. We have to pick ourselves up and keep going. They’re a great team, but we’re a good team too. It was a good match. We lost, that’s life. On penalties, that’s football. They scored everything, that’s how it is. Cristiano Ronaldo? We haven’t spoken yet, we have time for that.”

0:01

Saliba so precious, Mbappé in a bad evening: the ratings of the Blues

To push Portugal aside, the Blues relied on Mike Maignan and William Saliba, who were imperious, while Kylian Mbappé suffered.

23:58

Camavinga: “A strong emotion”

Eduardo Camavinga (RMC): “It’s a feeling of pride. We would have liked to win in the game, but the most important thing is to have had good shooters. We also defended well. Having worked on penalty kicks? Training always helps. It brought more confidence, the shooters were able to do it today.”

“Maignan? There’s nothing that shocks me anymore, he’s a very great goalkeeper, he’s saved us time and time again.”

(BeIN Sports) “It’s a strong emotion. We still have two games left. It was a very intense match. We defended well, we didn’t concede a goal, that’s the most important thing. The most important thing is to have won. Starting? It’s better, that’s for sure (smile).”

23:56

Dembélé: “We deserve this victory”

Ousmane Dembélé (BeIN Sports): “We are all happy with this victory. It was a difficult team to handle. It was a battle. We deserved this victory on penalties.”

23:55

Relive the penalty shootout with RMC radio commentary

Maignan: “We went all the way with our mental strength”

Mike Maignan (BeIN Sports): “I’m happy, it wasn’t an easy match. We were solid, we made it difficult for them. We went all the way with our mental strength. In the penalty shootout, we didn’t shake.”

23:46

France-Spain in the semi-final!!

After a high-quality penalty shootout, Les Bleus qualified for the semi-final (0-0, 5-3 on penalties)! France had not won a shootout since the 1998 World Cup! It is La Roja who will face Les Tricolores on Tuesday in Munich for a place in the final!

A Flourish chart

23:43
TAB SUCCESSFUL

IT’S GOOD!!!

FRANCE IN THE SEMI!!! Perfect counterattack from the Milan player!! The Blues will challenge Spain!

23:42

IT’S HERNANDEZ WHO HAS THE QUALIFICATION IN HIS FOOT!

If he puts it in, it’s half time!

23:42
TAB SUCCESSFUL

FULL SKYLIGHT!! 4-3!

Under the bar!

23:41

Nuno Mendes to stay alive!

Portugal holds its breath!

23:41
TAB SUCCESSFUL

IT’S DOWN THE WAY!! 4-2!

It’s good !!

23:40

Barcola to make it 4-2!

That would be a two-goal lead!

23:40
TAB MISSED

IT’S ON THE POST!!!

Felix misses!! Still 3-2!

23:39

Felix’s turn

To make 3-3.

23:39
TAB SUCCESSFUL

KOUNDÉ SUCCEEDS! 3-2!

Full skylight too!

23:38
TAB SUCCESSFUL

IT’S IN THE SKYLIGHT! 2-2!

Beautiful! Perfect equality.

23:38

Bernardo Silva to equalize

The left-hander faces Maignan.

23:37
TAB SUCCESSFUL

IT’S IN! 2-1

Full axis!

23:37

Fofana will strike

To restore the advantage.

23:36
TAB SUCCESSFUL

IT’S GOOD !

He crosses his shot!

23:36

CR7’s turn

As against the Slovenians, he is the one who starts.

23:35
TAB SUCCESSFUL

IT’S IN!

Perfect counterpoint!

23:35

Dembélé comes forward!

He is the first to strike.

23:34

Duel of specialists

Maignan and Costa are two of the best goalkeepers on penalties. The Portuguese stopped all three of the Slovenians’ attempts in the round of 16.

23:33

The Blues will shoot first

And it will be in front of the Portuguese bend!

23:30
TAB

IT’S OVER!! Penalty Shootout!!

And Giroud didn’t have time to come on!

120′

MAIGNAN!!!

How badly played by the Portuguese who had a counter! Mendes crushes his shot!

120′

Giroud expected to come on for penalty shootout

The top scorer in the history of the Blues is about to enter the penalty shootout.

119′
TACTICAL CHANGE

Vitinha exit

He is replaced by Nunes.

118′

Corner for the Blues!

Dembélé wins a corner! But Tchouaméni commits a foul while attempting a return kick.

117′

Kanté loses the ball

He misses his pass and gives the ball back to the Seleçao but the defense catches up. Corner but Ronaldo fouls Upamecano.

115′

OH BARCOLA!!

Barcola’s festival in the box from the left but his left-hand shot is completely missed!

112′

Still not on target for Dembélé

He manages to cut into the middle again, but his shot goes over.

108′

Felix doesn’t frame his head!

Centre to the second post from Conceicao but Felix doesn’t straighten the trajectory enough!

106′

Here we go again !

The last fifteen minutes of this match!

106′
TACTICAL CHANGE

Entrance of Joao Félix

He replaces Leao.

106′
TACTICAL CHANGE

And so Barcola’s entry

It’s the former Lyon player who will finish this match!

106′

Mbappé is out!

It’s Kanté who gets the armband!

23:10

It’s the break !

It’s a ten-man pass from the Portuguese. Nobody dares to accelerate.

105′

Conceicao hits over the top

Nice acceleration from Mendes who serves Conceicao, but it doesn’t hit the target.

102′

LEAO!!!

A mix-up in the box on an aerial ball and Leao tries a volley, blocked by a Frenchman!

101′

The Portuguese have the ball

It was the Seleçao who put their foot on the ball and who slowed down the pace. The Portuguese went into a second consecutive extra time.

97′

What a comeback from Dembélé!!

Superb comeback from the Parisian, who eliminates the defense before shifting Mbappé to his left. But the captain’s shot is blocked! Dembélé could perhaps have played it personally.

93′

Ronaldo’s failure!!!

It was hot!! Conceicao mystifies Hernandez and crosses back to Ronaldo. He is slightly ahead, and his shot goes well over!

91′

Let’s go for 30 minutes!

Thuram launches this extension.

91′
TACTICAL CHANGE

Camavinga gives up his place

Youssouf Fofana replaced him before the start of this extra time.

22:50
EXTENSIONS

IT’S OVER! Time for overtime!

The two teams were unable to separate themselves over the 90 minutes. We are therefore entitled to an extension, the second of the day!

90+3′

Mbappé’s easy shot

Good overflow from Dembélé who cuts back into the middle before giving it to Mbappé. He is at a standstill and his curling shot is a gift for Costa.

90+2′
TACTICAL CHANGE

Entrance of Ruben Neves

He replaces Palhinha.

90+2′

Three more minutes

The extension is approaching.

90+1′

Huge Pepe!!

He resists a rush from Thuram who had overtaken him! Corner for the Blues but it comes to nothing.

88′

Kanté tries his luck!

He strikes from afar but it’s too easy for Costa.

86′
TACTICAL CHANGE

Thuram’s Entrance

He replaces Kolo Muani. Post for post.

86′

It’s in the wall!

Ronaldo takes this free kick, but it goes right into the wall.

84′
YELLOW CARD

Cardboard for Saliba

Big foul by the Frenchman on Conceicao at the edge of the area and he is cautioned. Good free kick for the Seleçao.

80′
YELLOW CARD

Yellow for Palhinha

The Portuguese is behind Mbappé and will be suspended in the event of a semi-final.

78′

Seleçao slows down the pace

After this strong French moment, the Portuguese put their foot on the ball and slowed the pace.

75′
TACTICAL CHANGE

Double change on the Portuguese side

Cancelo and Fernandes are replaced by Semedo and Conceicao.

74′

Dembélé doesn’t catch the frame!!

He sends a magnificent curling shot with his left, but once again, it skims the post!

73′

Good entry from Dembélé

The Parisian is twirling and doing a lot of harm to the Portuguese.

70′

OH CAMAVINGA!!!

It’s not on target!! Dembélé puts Mendes in the wind and manages to find Camavinga, who crosses his shot with his right too much. It’s just wide!

69′

The Blues switch to 4-3-3

With Griezmann’s exit, France returns to a more classic system. It is a Dembélé-Kolo Muani-Mbappé trio which is in attack.

67′
TACTICAL CHANGE

Dembélé’s entry

He replaces Griezmann, who was too discreet.

66′

KOLO MUANI!!! WHAT AN OPPORTUNITY!!

He is alone in the box and shoots but Dias comes back from nowhere to deflect the shot for a corner!

63′

MAIGNAAAAAN!!

The savior!!! Vitinha receives a cross and takes it first time, but Maignan is in the way!! How decisive he is!! The Portuguese was alone in the area!

63′

Tchouameni’s shot completely missed

The Real player takes a long-range shot, but it ends up at the corner post.

61′

HUGE MAIGNAN!!

Fernandes is found in the box by Cancelo and crosses his shot with his right but Maignan goes to the ground very quickly to push it away! Superb save! In the process, Cancelo tries to find the top corner, but it is not on target.

60′

What a comeback from Camavinga!

57′

The game resumes

Mbappé is back on the pitch.

56′

It is supported by the staff

Bernardo Silva heads the ball but Mbappé blocks with his temple. He ends up getting up and goes to take his place again.

55′

Mbappé on the ground!

After a corner for the Portuguese, he collapses, holding his face in his hand. He has removed his mask.

Kylian Mbappé complains of a sore nose after taking a ball to the face during the Euro quarter-final, July 5, 2024 © BeIN Sports

52′

Oh what an opportunity for the Blues!!

Great pass from Kanté to Hernandez who crosses hard in front of goal but Kolo Muani is late and can’t tackle the ball into the goal!

49′

Mbappé strikes!

Mbappé leans on Kanté and unleashes a sudden shot from the left. But it’s straight into Costa’s niche.

46′
KICK-OFF

HERE WE GO AGAIN !!

It’s the Portuguese who start this second act! No changes at the break.

22:00

A rather…calm first period

The expected goals illustrate the very little animation of these first 45 minutes: 0.06 xG for Portugal, 0.09 xG for France.

21:50

France is unrealistic… its adversaries too

21:46
HALF TIME

IT’S BREAK TIME! 0-0!

Goalless draw between Portugal and France! No big chances in a fairly balanced first half. Perhaps a slight French domination, but it’s not striking!

42′

It is finally for Fernandes, who misses himself

It’s the Mancunian who takes responsibility, but it goes over the top.

41′

Kolo Muani’s stupid mistake

He misses his dribble near his area and then commits a foul. It’s a good free kick for Ronaldo!

37′

Rather a French domination

The first half hour has passed and it is rather the Blues who are showing themselves to be the most enterprising. Even if it is not a steamroller either.

35′

It doesn’t give anything

It’s a two-player game but it’s not dangerous.

34′

Corner for the Blues!

Griezmann had been found by Kanté. It’s the first French corner!

31′

What a defense from Pepe!!

Great French move and Kolo Muani seemed to have dribbled past Pepe who ultimately came out on top in this duel, in front of the box! It’s magnificent.

28′

Against French but it doesn’t give anything

The Portuguese take their corner with two players and the defense pushes it back. Mbappé gets the better of Mendes on the counter but he is not accompanied. The action ends with a shot off target from Camavinga.

27′

Leao hurts Koundé

Another good overflow from the Milanese, who gets the better of his opponent. He wins another corner.

26′

It’s sent back

But the Blues remain high and continue to dominate.

25′

Good free kick for France

Pepe pushes Camavinga from behind and offers a good free kick, not far from the corner flag on the right side.

24′

Ronaldo stays on the ground

CR7 complains about his head after a duel with Hernandez. He finally gets up.

22′

Another situation for the Blues!

Good overflow from Mbappé on the left side, who crosses hard. Costa pushes back in his area but no one hangs around to finish the job!

21′

HERNANDEZ’S STRIKE!!

Finally a chance for the Blues! Hernadez is found at the edge of the area and has time to apply himself! His shot is pushed back by Costa and Kanté, who had followed, is a little too short.

20′

Leao very active

The game is clearly leaning towards the left side for the Portuguese with the Leao-Mendes duo. The Milan winger is rather inspired even if for the moment contained by Koundé.

16′

Maignan’s little mistake

The goalkeeper is served back but misses his control and lets the ball go for a corner. Fortunately for the Blues, it comes to nothing.

12′

Good split on the left side for the Seleçao

Leao masterfully launches Mendes with a backheel but the Parisian sends a cross which goes wide from six meters.

10′

The Portuguese put their foot on the ball

After three French minutes, the Seleçao took control of the game. The Blues did not seem unhappy to leave the ball to their opponents.

8′

A real diamond for the Blues

There is no room for doubt, whether in the defensive or offensive phase, the French are well arranged in a diamond. The midfielders and the full-backs will have work to do.

5′

Big tackle from Palhinha!

After a first phase of Portuguese possession, Kolo Muani goes on the counter but is stopped by Palhinha. It’s very well executed!

2′

First French incursion!

The Tricolores dominate this start and Griezmann, really positioned in the axis in support, finds a good pass for Kolo Muani in the surface. But the attacker makes a mistake and misses his pass!

1′
KICK-OFF

LET’S GO!!!

The Blues (in white tonight) kick off this quarter-final! Who will join Spain?

20:56

The anthems resound

The 22 players appeared on the pitch.

20:54

Reminder of suspended potentials

Many players are threatened with a suspension for a possible semi-final in the event of a yellow card tonight. Ousmane Dembélé, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouameni on the French side. João Cancelo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Francisco Conceição, João Palhinha, Pedro Neto and Rúben Neves on the Portuguese side.

20:42

Record equaled for Griezmann

Starting tonight in Hamburg, Antoine Griezmann will play his 35th match in a major competition (World Cup and Euro) with the blue jersey and equal Hugo Lloris’ record.

20:38

Portugal does well in Blue

France have only lost one of their last 14 matches (11 wins, 2 draws) against the Seleçao… It was during the Euro 2016 final.

19:56

The official line-up of the Blues has been announced

Didier Deschamps’ bluff is confirmed. Antoine Griezmann will play in a supporting role to the two attackers in a 4-4-2 diamond. Eduardo Camavinga replaces Adrien Rabiot (suspended) in midfield. Randal Kolo Muani is preferred to Marcus Thuram alongside Kylian Mbappé in attack.

The line-up of the Blues: Maignan – Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez – Kanté, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Griezmann – Kolo Muani, Mbappé

19:46

Portugal’s line-up, in 4-3-3

Diogo Costa, Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Pepe, Mendes, Palhinha, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Leão, Ronaldo.

19:16

Griezmann in a supporting role to the two attackers

Antoine Griezmann is expected to play in a playmaking role behind Kylian Mbappé and Randal Kolo Muani. We are therefore heading towards a 4-4-2 diamond formation.

(Fabrice Hawkins)

18:49

Deschamps’ bluff on the line-up

Didier Deschamps played a bluff. Finally, Eduardo Camavinga is starting in midfield to replace the suspended Adrien Rabiot. Antoine Griezmann and Randal Kolo Muani are also in the 11, but they are respectively right winger and central striker.

The line-up of the Blues: Maignan – Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez – Kanté, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Griezmann – Kolo Muani, Mbappé

18:30

The French procession has arrived at the stadium

The French fans arrived at the Hamburg stadium without any problems and in a very good atmosphere. Better procession than that of Düsseldorf in the 8th finals. 

(NP and VJ, in Hamburg)

18:29

The French team’s locker room is ready

Didier Deschamps’ men will play in white tonight.

18:25

The French procession has left!

In a very heated atmosphere, the fans of the French team are on their way to the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, the scene of this France-Portugal quarter-final.

18:21

The call to vote of the collective “Mouiller le maillot”

“The idea is to encourage people to go and vote on Sunday, July 7,” one of the members of the collective ‘Mouiller le maillot’ explained to RMC Sport. “We are here to try to give the jersey to a player from the French team so that he can wear it and transmit the message as far as possible.”

18:11

Eight years later, what has become of Eder, the Blues’ executioner at Euro 2016?

On July 10, 2016, Eder came on as a substitute and freed his teammates in the 109th minute of the final between France and Portugal. The Seleçao thus won its first Euro. Since his goal remained painfully in the memories of millions of French people, what has become of the hero or executioner of this final?

17:47

Already a very good atmosphere before the start of the procession of French fans

Already several hundred supporters gathered at the starting point of the procession. Very good atmosphere. Departure in 15 minutes.Already a very good atmosphere before the start of the procession of French fans (07/05/2024) © RMC Sport

17:32

RMC SPORT INFO. Kolo Muani, Thuram and Mbappé in front, Griezmann in the middle

Randal Kolo Muani is preferred to Ousmane Dembélé on the right side of the attack. Antoine Griezmann drops back to midfield, in the absence of Adrien Rabiot, suspended.

The line-up of the Blues against Portugal:  Maignan – Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez – Tchouaméni, Kanté, Griezmann – Kolo Muani, Thuram, Mbappé

F.Hawkins

16:05

The atmosphere is rising at the “Casa Bleue”

French supporters are already making their voices heard in Germany.

12:03

Jan Vertonghen, “scorer” for the Blues in the round of 16, retires from international football

He will therefore stop on an unfortunate own goal. Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen announced his international retirement this Friday after the Red Devils were eliminated by France in the round of 16.

12:00

These players under threat of suspension

A nasty foul can be costly. For the Euro 2024 quarter-final against Portugal, four players from the French team will be suspended for the possible semi-final if they receive a yellow card: Ousmane Dembélé , Antoine Griezmann , Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouameni .

On the Portuguese side, the players in danger are even more numerous: João Cancelo , Cristiano Ronaldo , Francisco Conceição , João Palhinha , Pedro Neto , Rúben Neves .

>>> All players threatened with suspension for the semi-finals

11:01

“The apprentice faces the king”: the Portuguese press is excited before the Mbappé-Ronaldo duel

A few hours before the clash between France and Portugal in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, the Portuguese sports newspapers are happily focusing on the upcoming duel between Kylian Mbappé and Cristiano Ronaldo.

>>> The Portuguese press review before the shock

9:42

Mbappé in the sights… of the National Rally

During his speech on the second round of the legislative elections, Kylian Mbappé did not mention the National Rally, but declared that there was “an urgency to go and vote after the catastrophic results” in order “not to put the country in the hands of these people”. An outburst that displeases the RN.

From Laurent Jacobelli to Marine Le Pen, several leaders of the far-right party have criticized the exit of the captain of the French team.

>>> The RN stands up to Kylian Mbappé