Euro 2024: France Advances To Semi-Finals Beating Portugal In Penalty Shootout

Cristiano Ronaldo's hopes for Euro 2024 were dashed as Portugal fell to France in a penalty shootout, following a 0-0 draw in Hamburg. With Kylian Mbappe watching from the sidelines, France converted all five of their penalties. Joao Felix's miss proved decisive, hitting the woodwork. Theo Hernandez then calmly scored the winning penalty.

The match was expected to be tight and cagey, and it lived up to that expectation. For only the second time in Euros history since 1980, neither team managed a shot from inside the box in the first half. The other instance was also a France vs Portugal match back in 1984.

Bruno Fernandes had a chance close to half-time with a free-kick that soared over the bar. On the hour mark, Fernandes had another great opportunity, but Mike Maignan made an excellent save. Moments later, Maignan used his chest to block Vitinha’s shot and then saved Ronaldo’s follow-up attempt.

Portugal had better chances during extra time. Didier Deschamps substituted Mbappe during this period. Ronaldo missed a golden opportunity by shooting over the bar with the goal wide open. Felix headed into the side netting, and Nuno Mendes fired at Maignan as penalties loomed.

France's defence was crucial throughout the game. Ruben Dias made a last-ditch block to divert Randal Kolo Muani’s attempt wide. Eduardo Camavinga missed off-target, and Ousmane Dembele came close with a long-range effort.

Despite not scoring any non-penalty goals in their five games at Euro 2024, France reached yet another semi-final under Deschamps. They will face Spain in Munich on Tuesday.

Ronaldo's Final Euros?

Ronaldo did not shed tears this time but offered a rueful smile as France celebrated. The 39-year-old has stated this would be his final Euros, ending his campaign with 23 shots without scoring (excluding two successful shootout penalties). He hugged Pepe, who at 41 delivered another strong performance but was emotional after the defeat.

Both players have been exceptional servants for Portugal, but this loss likely signals the end of their international careers. While Pepe is almost certain to retire, it remains uncertain if Ronaldo will aim for one more World Cup appearance.

Portugal’s captain successfully converted his penalty during the shootout, but Felix’s miss allowed Hernandez to secure victory for France. This defeat raises questions about whether Portugal might perform better without Ronaldo moving forward.

The pre-game prediction of a tight contest held true as neither team managed a shot from inside the box in the first half—an occurrence only seen once before at Euros since 1980 between these same teams back in 1984.

The encounter sparked into life when Fernandes' shot was saved by Maignan on the hour mark. Maignan then blocked Vitinha’s shot with his chest and saved Ronaldo’s follow-up attempt shortly after.

Cristiano Ronaldo's European Championship journey ends here without becoming the oldest scorer despite holding numerous records in the competition: "Cristiano Ronaldo's European Championship ends there. He holds a host of records in the competition but didn't manage to become the oldest scorer as he failed to score any of his 23 shots at Euro 2024." #Euro2024 pic.twitter.com/yFwX9ax6n4

There were no tears for Ronaldo this time around; instead, just a rueful smile while France's players wheeled away in celebration: "The 39-year-old has claimed this will be his final Euros and he bows out having had 23 shots without scoring once at Euro 2024 (not counting his two successful shootout penalties)." #Euro2024 pic.twitter.com/yFwX9ax6n4