France Squeezes Past Belgium in Euro 2024 Quarterfinals Amid Mbappé Struggles

France edged out Belgium 1-0 in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals thanks to a ninth own-goal of the tournament. Despite another frustrating performance by Kylian Mbappé, France's pragmatic approach under Didier Deschamps was enough to secure their place in the semifinals. Belgium exits the championship after a lackluster display.

Another frustrating match for Kylian Mbappé marked another underwhelming performance by France at the European Championship. Yet, Didier Deschamps remains unconcerned—his team is into the quarterfinals.

"It's beautiful," remarked France's coach after Les Bleus relied on the ninth own-goal scored at Euro 2024 to squeeze past Belgium 1-0 in the round of 16 on Monday.

A heavyweight clash between neighboring teams ranked No. 2 (France) and No. 3 (Belgium) didn't meet expectations, with the match's only goal typifying its nature. A second-half substitute, Randal Kolo Muani, made a shot in the 85th minute that deflected off Belgium defender Jan Vertonghen, looping over goalkeeper Koen Casteels.

"I was lucky enough to get my shot on target," Kolo Muani said of his critical moment. "It was blocked but it went in. We're very, very happy and very, very proud." UEFA, however, called it an own-goal, adding another to a tournament replete with them.

It's the second own-goal France has benefited from, in addition to a penalty by Mbappé. Thus far, no French player has scored from open play.

"Even if today that goal was enough to get us to the quarterfinals, we have the capability to score more," Deschamps commented. France will face either Portugal or Slovenia in the last eight on Friday.

Mbappé, donning a mask to protect his broken nose from their opener against Austria, had five of France's 20 shots, none of which were on target. He played mostly from the left wing and was contained by Belgium's defensive formation, which featured Kevin De Bruyne as a deep-lying midfielder.

De Bruyne made more clearing headers than incisive passes, only moving forward in the final half-hour. In his favored offensive role, he created Belgium's best chance, setting up Yannick Carrasco, whose shot was blocked by Theo Hernandez.

Instead, the match-winner was Kolo Muani, whose last notable moment in a major tournament saw him narrowly miss scoring against Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final.

France's overall display failed to quell dissent among fans who feel the team can achieve more with their talented roster, especially Mbappé, officially a Real Madrid player that day. Deschamps, however, defended his tactics, stating, "We were intelligent, playing the waiting game and not falling into their trap.''

Mbappé will now play his first quarterfinal at the European Championship, with France having exited on penalties to Switzerland in the last 16 in 2021. Belgium, meanwhile, returns home after a lackluster Euro 2024, their fans' jeers echoing after a 0-0 draw with Ukraine concluded the group stage. De Bruyne's deeper role against France was intended to limit France's quick attackers but at the cost of their own offensive capabilities. Tedesco's tactic might have been genius, had Belgium won. Unfortunately, they didn't.

"To go into detail tonight," Tedesco stated, "is difficult for me."

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