France is in the round of the best four with an incredible record: The star ensemble has not scored a single goal in five games: A converted penalty by Kylian Mbappe and two own goals had brought the two-time European champions into the quarter-finals, where they defeated Portugal on penalties.
The 50,000 spectators in Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion saw little entertainment, as had already been seen from both teams so far in the tournament: compact defense, focused on possession and slow in building up play. The top-class offensive artists on both sides were not able to make an impact for so long. The only shot on goal before the break was taken by defender Theo Hernandez (20′) from distance.
In the second half, Mbappe was the focus of attention. The future Real Madrid striker missed the goal (50th minute), was unable to get to a Hernandez cross (52nd minute) and doubled over in pain following a ball hit his face, causing his nose to break in the opening match of the European Championship once morest Austria (55th minute).
After an hour, the game came to life. Portugal were the first to become dangerous. Bruno Fernandes (61′) and Rafael Leao (63′) had the chance to take the lead, but were stopped by goalkeeper Mike Maignan. On the other side, a shot by Randal Kolo Muani was blocked (66′), Eduardo Camavinga missed by a few centimetres (70′), as did Ousmane Dembele (74′).
Top chance for Cristiano Ronaldo
At the start of extra time, Ronaldo also made his first appearance, but his shot missed the target by a long way (93′). Leao (102′), substitute Joao Felix (108′) and Nuno Mendes (120′) missed the best chances – the “Blue Bunker”, as “L’Équipe” called the defensive bulwark of Didier Deschamps’ team, held. France has only conceded one goal from a penalty so far and is still in the race for its third European title – because all five attempts in the penalty shootout were practically unstoppable. Diogo Costa, Portugal’s hero in the round of 16 once morest Slovenia with three penalty saves, had no chance.
After Joao Felix had only hit the post, Theo Hernandez shot the favorites to victory. It was also Cristiano Ronaldo’s farewell from the European Championship stage. While the 39-year-old, who had scored Portugal’s first penalty, was still struggling to keep his composure, Pepe, who was two years older, had already lost it: the defender was crying uncontrollably.
In the semi-finals, France will face Spain in Munich on Tuesday (9 p.m.).
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