Day 3 of the Round of 16 stage of UEFA Euro 2024 saw Belgium suffer a close defeat to France in the first match. The second game, a thrilling contest between Portugal and Slovenia, ended in favour of the former after a penalty shootout.
Both France and Belgium played out a rather cagey game that saw the French create the better chances throughout the match. Ultimately, this proved to be the difference, as Les Bleus bagged the game’s only goal through a deflected Randal Kolo Muani effort, which hit Jan Vertonghen on the top of his leg and snuck into the near post.
Overall, France had far more possession (55%) and took 19 shots throughout the encounter, 14 more than their opposition. However, both sides only hit the target twice. Belgium’s best chance of the game fell to Romelu Lukaku, who failed to find the net from a tight angle. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé was the one who shelled his team’s best chances in this outing.
Also watch: UEFA Euro 2024 Round of 16 preview
Portugal took on Slovenia in a close-fought contest that saw the Portuguese progress on penalties. Both teams had their moments in the first half but failed to break the deadlock. A similar pattern continued in the second half, but it was Roberto Martínez’ side that had the better share of chances. Cristiano Ronaldo had a fair few opportunities from free-kicks and some decent chances in open play. However, the Al-Nassr FC striker’s goalless campaign in Euro 2024 continued.
The biggest moment in this tie came during the first half of extra time when Ronaldo’s side were awarded a penalty. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner stepped up but failed to convert from the spot as Jan Oblak produced a wonderful save. With the game nearing its end, and against the run of play, Benjamin Šeško was presented with a one-on-one opportunity after a defensive error, but the Slovenia striker could only draw a save from the opposite goalkeeper.
With the match headed for penalties, Diogo Costa turned out to be the hero by producing three saves, while his teammates managed to score all three of their spot kicks to help Portugal progress into this the final eight.
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