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  • DPA

    France defeat Portugal on penalties to reach Euro 2024 semi-finals

    By DPA,

    14 days ago

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    Two-time European champions France are in the Euro 2024 semi-finals after defeating Portugal 5-3 on penalties following a goalless draw on Friday in Hamburg.

    João Félix missed one spot-kick for Portugal and paved the way for France's win, which was complete with Theo Hernández's decisive effort.

    "We're in the semi-finals, and it's something we shouldn't take for granted, even if we may be used to it recently. I was already enjoying being in the quarter-finals. Now we go to win it," coach Didier Deschamps said.

    France will on Tuesday face Spain, who defeated hosts Germany 2-1 with a late goal in extra time.

    "I'm extremely happy. It wasn't easy, we played against a great nation. We had a few problems but kept the right spirit until the end and that made the difference," said goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who made some huge saves to keep France in the game.

    France, however, are yet to score from open play at Euro 2024. Their 1-0 wins in the group stage over Austria and in the last 16 over Belgium came from own goals. Les Bleus' only other goal came from a Kylian Mbappé penalty in the 1-1 with Poland.

    Portugal had the best chances to take the win during regular time, forcing Maignan into two big saves to deny Bruno Fernandes in the 61st minute and then Vitinha in the 63rd.

    But the 0-0 stalemate persisted after extra time and the Portuguese side were faced with a second consecutive shoot-out, following a 3-0 win on penalties against Slovenia in the last 16.

    This time, however, the 2016 Euro winners weren't so lucky and said goodbye to the competition, while super star Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score in a major tournament for the first time in his career and missed the chance of becoming the oldest goal scorer in European championship history.

    Ronaldo was successful in both shoot-outs but these goals are not part of the official statistics.

    "We missed one penalty, it doesn't matter who (missed it). I'm proud of our team and the fans who supported us," Nuno Mendes said.

    Both teams struggle to threaten in regular time

    It was a first half with just a few goal chances and most of them weren't really dangerous. Bruno Fernandes fired a first shot in the 16th minute but his long-range effort was blocked.

    Theo Hernández found space to take aim from distance, but his fierce attempt was parried by keeper Diogo Costa in the 20th.

    Portugal had a free-kick from a promising position before the break, but Fernandes sent an effort over the bar.

    Portugal had two great chances to break the deadlock, the first one in the 61st after João Cancelo served a great pass to Fernandes, who one-on-one was denied by keeper Maignan.

    Maignan was forced to make another huge save just two minutes later. Rafael Leão made a brilliant run down the left, and found Vitinha but his effort went straight at the France goalkeeper.

    France responded in the 66th as Randal Kolo Muani's shot was superbly blocked by Ruben Dias. The ball went dangerously off the post, just as it did in Eduardo Camavinga's attempt in the 70th.

    Kylian Mbappé had one last chance before the game went into extra time, but his late effort from the edge of the box was held by Diogo Costa.

    Mbappé was replaced in the 106th minute and coach Didier Deschamps explained "he was obviously tired.

    "I saw him struggling in the first half of extra time. There was no point in leaving him on, even if he was a penalty taker. Kylian has always been honest with me and the group. It seemed normal to me to bring on some freshness."

    Late drama in extra time

    The ball dropped to Leão in the 102nd, but Dayot Upamecano made a brilliant block to avoid any danger, while João Felix hit the side netting in the 109th after a stunning play from Francisco Conceição.

    There was drama in the final minute of extra time as Portugal countered and Nuno Mendes played a one-two with Bernardo Silva before firing a glorious chance into Maignan's gloves.

    France went straight up the other end and Marcus Thuram could have an opportunity, but Portugal were defensively strong to prevent the late drama.

    "We have to thank the support of all Portuguese people, they were fundamental in our journey. Unfortunately, it's over. There aren't many words. We created a lot of chances to score, we didn't and penalties are a lottery," Leão said.

    He praised team-mate Félix after he missed a crucial spot-kick.

    "He's a differentiated player, he brings different things, has an amazing talent. This episode will help him turn things around," he said.

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