France Edges Out Belgium in Euro 2024 Battle

In a hard-fought encounter, France overcame a resilient Belgium side 1-0 to secure their place in the next round of Euro 2024. Randal Kolo Muani's deflected strike in the second half proved to be the decisive moment, sending the reigning world champions through to face either Portugal or Slovenia.

France struggled to find their rhythm against a stubborn Belgium side in their Euro 2024 Group H encounter, but ultimately emerged with a scrappy 1-0 victory to advance to the next round.

France Edges Out Belgium in Euro 2024 Battle

Les Bleus, the reigning world champions, started brightly but were unable to translate their early possession into clear-cut chances. Belgium, meanwhile, grew into the game and threatened on the break, with Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku causing problems for the French defense.

As the first half wore on, France began to assert their dominance, but the Belgians remained resolute in their defending. Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappé both had opportunities to break the deadlock, but their efforts were either blocked or saved by Thibaut Courtois.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with France controlling the tempo but struggling to find the breakthrough. Belgium continued to defend in numbers and looked dangerous on the counterattack, but they also lacked a cutting edge in the final third.

However, with 20 minutes remaining, France finally found the goal they had been searching for. Substitute Randal Kolo Muani, who had just come on for Karim Benzema, received the ball in the box and struck a low shot that deflected off the outstretched leg of Toby Alderweireld and into the net.

Belgium pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages, but the French defense held firm to secure a vital victory. The result means that France finish top of Group H, while Belgium must wait until the other group games are played to determine their fate.

France's victory was far from convincing, but it was a testament to their resilience and determination. Les Bleus struggled to create clear-cut chances for much of the game, but they never gave up and eventually found a way to break through.

Belgium, meanwhile, will be disappointed not to have taken anything from the game. They defended valiantly and created several good opportunities on the break, but they lacked the quality in the final third to make the most of their chances.

France will now face either Portugal or Slovenia in the next round, while Belgium's fate remains uncertain. If Germany win their final group game against Hungary, Belgium will be eliminated from the tournament. However, if Germany lose or draw, Belgium will advance as one of the best third-placed teams.

* 15': Mbappé forces Courtois into a fine save with a powerful drive from the edge of the box.

* 25': De Bruyne plays a delightful through ball to Lukaku, but the striker's shot is well saved by Lloris.

* 55': Griezmann shoots wide from inside the area after a good run from Mbappé.

* 70': Kolo Muani scores the winning goal with a deflected shot that wrong-foots Courtois.

* 85': Belgium almost equalize when Dries Mertens' shot hits the post.

* Lloris 7/10

* Pavard 6/10

* Varane 7/10

* Konaté 7/10

* Hernandez 6/10

* Tchouaméni 8/10

* Rabiot 7/10

* Griezmann 6/10

* Mbappé 7/10

* Benzema 6/10

* Kolo Muani 7/10 (sub)

* Courtois 7/10

* Castagne 6/10

* Alderweireld 6/10

* Vertonghen 7/10

* Meunier 6/10

* Tielemans 6/10

* Witsel 7/10

* De Bruyne 7/10

* Hazard 6/10

* Lukaku 6/10

* Mertens 6/10 (sub)