France advances to the quarterfinals of the Euro 2024 after Vertonghen of Belgium scores a late own goal

Thanks to an own goal from Jan Vertonghen, France won 1-0 and qualified for the quarterfinals of the Euro 2024 competition.

In a stunning change of events, Jan Vertonghen of Belgium scored a late own goal to give France a 1-0 victory at the Dusseldorf Arena and guarantee their spot in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals.

Up until the 85th minute, the game, which had seen little excitement or quality, looked set for extra time. N’Golo Kanté deftly slipped the ball to Randal Kolo Muani, the replacement, who spun Vertonghen and managed to get a shot off. Vertonghen’s knee deflected the ball, fooling goalie Koen Casteels and allowing it to enter the net.

France had squandered a number of opportunities throughout the game, including a chance that their captain, Kylian Mbappe, should have finished. Even though they dominated possession and pass accuracy, France’s assault lacked a sharp edge.

Despite playing poorly, Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City had a fantastic opportunity to put Belgium ahead after making a strong move in the middle. However, France’s goalie Mike Maignan skillfully saved his attempt. Belgium had little more than this big chance as France dominated the last few minutes to win.

France held onto their lead as the clock ran out, ensuring them progression to the final eight. Though it was unfortunate for Belgium, Vertonghen’s own goal was the turning point that France had been waiting for, and it moved them one step closer to their objective of qualifying for Euro 2024.

Statistics-wise, France had 19 shots to Belgium’s 5, although only 2 of those shots were on goal for each side. Belgium completed 497 passes with 88% accuracy, whereas France completed 608 passes with 92% accuracy while controlling 56% of the possession. There were 17 fouls in the game, with 7 coming from France and 10 from Belgium. There were no red cards given, but both teams received yellow cards—France received three, Belgium received two.

To find out who they will play in the quarterfinals, France must now wait for the outcome of the encounter between Portugal and Slovenia.