By Abubakar Yunusa
France secured their place in the Euro 2024 semifinals by edging past Portugal 5-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout on Friday, after a goalless draw in Hamburg.
Theo Hernández sealed the victory with the decisive penalty, while João Félix hit the post earlier in the shootout, tilting the balance in France’s favor.
The highly anticipated clash between Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé offered few clear chances as both teams’ defensive prowess took center stage.
Mbappé, playing with a protective mask due to a broken nose, was substituted at the end of the first period of extra time.
Ronaldo, who successfully scored Portugal’s first penalty in the shootout, missed a crucial opportunity during regular play when Francisco Conceição set him up.
The match saw its best chance in the second half when Bruno Fernandes unleashed a powerful shot, only to be denied by a superb save from France’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
France’s Randal Kolo Muani nearly scored, but a last-minute block from Portugal’s Rúben Dias prevented the goal. Eduardo Camavinga also came close, but his shot missed the target.
The introduction of Ousmane Dembélé in the second half gave France an attacking boost, with the winger narrowly missing with a curling effort.
In extra time, Ronaldo had another chance but fired over the bar. Dayot Upamecano’s crucial block denied Rafael Leão a goal-scoring opportunity.
A dramatic moment occurred when Mbappé handed his captain’s armband to manager Didier Deschamps and went to the bench with an ice pack on his nose after suffering a blow during the game. Despite wearing a protective mask, Mbappé had described playing with it as “horrible.”
In the final minute of extra time, Nuno Mendes had a golden opportunity for Portugal, but his effort was saved by Maignan, leading to the penalty shootout.
Dembélé started the shootout successfully, followed by a confident penalty from Ronaldo. The shootout’s turning point came when Félix hit the post, allowing France to capitalize. Bradley Barcola and Hernández scored the decisive penalties, securing France’s spot in the semifinals against Spain on July 9 in Munich.
For Ronaldo, the evening was particularly emotional, likely marking his final appearance in the European Championships.
