By Theo Van Zyl
The game finished 0-0 after 120 minutes of play, in what was a drab affair.
Portugal’s biggest opportunity came when Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes was through on goal. His low driven effort was brilliantly stopped by Mike Maignan in goal.
France couldn’t carve out many openings in normal time, and their best chance came when Randal Kolo Muani was in on goal. His volleyed shot was blocked by a recovering Ruben Dias, a moment quite similar to his infamous miss in the World Cup final two years ago.
Kylian Mbappe, who has been wearing a protective mask due to his broken nose, experienced further irritation which resulted in his substitution before penalties.
On the whole, both sides floundered going forward creating an unentertaining game.
Referee Michael Oliver blew the full-time whistle, sending the game to spot kicks.
It was a second successive shootout for Portugal, who beat Slovenia 3-0 on penalties in the round of 16.
It was Joao Felix for Portugal who hit the post from 12 yards, with the 24 year old looking devastated as he walked back to his team.
In his final Euro appearance, Cristiano Ronaldo was kept quiet. However the all-time great netted from the spot.
Diogo Costa, who saved all three of Slovenia’s spot kicks, couldn’t get anywhere near France’s five penalties.
The fifth of which was taken by Theo Hernandez, eliminating Portugal and taking his country to the semi-finals.
France are yet to have a player of their own score from open play. They have scored just three goals so far, two of which have been own goals and the other being a penalty kick.
Their semi-final opponents Spain have managed double that in the knockout stages alone.
Pictured above: Hernandez celebrates his decisive penalty with Maignan
Source: Euro 2024
