EM 2024 - France fights its way into the semi-finals in a penalty thriller
Ronaldo's Career at the EM Ends, France Reaches Dramatic Semifinal against Spain
Favorite in the Euro tournament France put an end to Cristiano Ronaldo's EM career and reached the semifinals in a dramatic fashion against Spain, who had defeated Germany in the previous round with a 2:1 score after extra time. In the clash of superstars, Mbappe's French team emerged victorious in Hamburg with a 5:3 score in the penalty shootout against Ronaldo's Portuguese team. No goals were scored during regular play or extra time.
Ronaldo Retires
The 39-year-old record player and top scorer Ronaldo, who had announced before the game that he would not be participating in the next European Championship in 2028 in Great Britain and Ireland, missed the penalty in the shootout. João Félix hit the post with the ball.
France's captain Mbappe can still hope for a third French title with the Tricolore team and faces the Spaniards on Tuesday, 21:00, in Munich. The Spaniards had previously defeated the hosts Germany with a 2:1 score after extra time.
In the first half of the EM game, the Portuguese team had an early advantage. Much of the action took place on the left side with the agile Rafael Leão. The game passed Ronaldo by.
Mbappe, The Ball Distributor
His French counterpart Mbappe was frequently sought after by his teammates. The 25-year-old future Real Madrid professional often acted more as a ball distributor. Playing alongside him in the striker position was the former Eintracht Frankfurt player Randal Kolo Muani.
After an hour, it was action-packed in both penalty areas: First, Bruno Fernandes failed against Maignan (61'), two minutes later, Maignan denied Vitinha. On the opposing side, Ruben Dias prevented a goal for his team through Kolo Muani (66'). Eduardo Camavinga came close from short range in front of Portugal's goal (70'). The substitution of Ousmane Dembélé for Antoine Griezmann briefly revived the French team's play.
Neither team could force a decision. So, it went to extra time, just like in the first quarterfinal of the day. And in the third minute of extra time, Ronaldo had a golden opportunity to take the lead, but he missed the ball from close range.
Pepe, The 41-year-old Clears Everything Away
The Portuguese continued to press for a clear win, but a decisive goal was still missing. France relied on counter-attacks, including through the quick Dembélé. When it became dangerous for the Portuguese, Pepe cleared everything away. In the second half of extra time, Mbappe was kept out. The star player treated his face on the bench with a blue cooling pack. His teammates had to handle the penalty shootout without him.
- Despite retiring from international football following the European Football Championship, Great Britain and Ireland will host the tournament in 2028, much to the disappointment of Ronaldo.
- The Équipe Tricolore, led by Mbappe, will face the Spanish team in the semifinal of the European Championship, scheduled for Tuesday at 21:00 in Munich.
- During the penalty shootout against Portugal, Équipe Tricolore emerged victorious with a thrilling 5:3 score, eliminating Ronaldo's team and advancing to the semifinals.
- Following Ronaldo's early retirement announcement, Germany experienced a defeat to Spain in the previous round, with the latter securing a 2:1 win after extra time.
- In the Hamburg-staged quarterfinal against Portugal, France had a relatively quiet first half, with Mbappe often distributing the ball instead of scoring, while the agile Rafael Leão dominated the left side for the Portuguese team.
- Pepe, the experienced 41-year-old defender, came to France's rescue during the penalty shootout, clearing away dangerous threats and ensuring his team's progression to the semifinals without Mbappe.
- In the semifinals, Spain will encounter a determined French team that has managed to overcome the retirement of Ronaldo and the absence of Mbappe in the penalty shootout, demonstrating their resilience and team spirit throughout the Championship.
