France Edge Out Belgium, Advance To Euros Quarterfinals

France edged out Belgium to advance to the quarterfinals of the ongoing Euro 2024 Championship on Monday courtesy of Jan Vertonghen’s late own goal.

Jan Vertonghen deflected substitute Randal Kolo Muani’s shot in the 85th minute to settle a tense last-16 match in Dusseldorf. Two of the three goals France has scored at the Euros have been own goals.

With the game looking like it was headed for extra time, Kolo Muani picked up a ball from N’Golo Kante and fired a shot that deflected off Jan Vertonghen past keeper Koen Casteels.

France were in control for most of the match, with Aurelien Tchouameni and Marcus Thuram finding chances on both sides of half-time and Kylian Mbappe quick-footed and threatening. Belgium could have won the game late on, with Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne forcing good saves from French goalkeeper Mike Maignan.