Audio By Carbonatix
A late own goal by Jan Vertonghen sent France into the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 at Belgium's expense.
A game that had lacked quality and excitement for large periods looked destined for extra time, but a shot by substitute Randal Kolo Muani deflected off Vertonghen with five minutes remaining to seal the victory at Dusseldorf Arena.
France had missed several chances before that as once again their lack of a cutting edge let them down, and even captain Kylian Mbappe put efforts he would normally finish wide.
Belgium could even have taken the lead themselves before France's late goal as Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne charged into space through the middle, but his shot was pushed behind by Mike Maignan.
That had been the below-par Belgians only decent opportunity as France closed out the final few minutes to progress to the last eight, where they will face either Portugal or Slovenia.
Latest Stories
-
Nearly 400 sentenced in Nigeria for links to militant Islamists
15 minutes -
Ghana’s recovery supported by gold strength despite global oil price pressures – Standard Bank Research
21 minutes -
Kwaku Azar writes: A-G vs OSP
54 minutes -
Mfantsipim–Adisadel rivalry built excellence, not division – Sam Jonah
1 hour -
Vice President launches Mfantsipim’s 150 years of shaping Ghana’s greatest mind
2 hours -
I assure Otumfuo, Mahama will join him to commission KNUST Teaching Hospital by end of this year – Haruna Iddrisu
2 hours -
Barcelona dominate derby to extend La Liga lead
2 hours -
Gov’t to roll out free special education for persons with disabilities from July 1 – Education Minister
3 hours -
Importers and Exporters Association declares full support for Publican AI port system
3 hours -
“We used it to test our officiating officials’ readiness” – Bawah Fuseini after CAA Athletics event
3 hours -
Volleyball emerges as Ghana’s fastest rising sport
3 hours -
National Sports Fund needs strong leadership from the top – Administrator David Wuaku
4 hours -
JoySports Exclusive: Steve McLaren in talks with GFA after expressing interest in Black Stars job
4 hours -
Fire guts auto parts warehouse at Bubuashie, one fire officer injured
4 hours -
I owe my victory to coach Ofori Asare – Allotey after winning WBA Africa Gold Super Flyweight belt
4 hours