Euro 2024: Belgium Eliminated by France After Late Own Goal
Belgium's Red Devils were knocked out of the European Football Championship on Monday evening, succumbing to France in the eighth finals (round of 16) with a 1-0 defeat. The match was closely contested until a late own goal sealed Belgium's fate.
In the 85th minute, a shot from Les Bleus substitute Randal Kolo Muani deflected off Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen's leg and into the net. Despite their efforts, the Belgians were unable to secure a last-minute equalizer.
This loss marks Belgium's third consecutive defeat against France, following previous losses in the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 Nations League, both in the semi-finals. France will now advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face Portugal, managed by former Red Devils coach Roberto Martinez, on Friday evening.
Belgian goalkeeper Koen Casteels commented after the game, telling Sporza, "France was not playing at its best. It was a very closed game, from both sides. Both teams had a lot of ball possession low on the field. In such games, it depends on details. A moment can decide such a match, or an unlucky goal like we got now."
Belgium adjusted their strategy, deploying Loïs Openda as a second striker alongside Romelu Lukaku, while France also made changes to their starting line-up. "In the first minutes we had to wait and see whether they would put pressure. That was not the case. It became even more of a tactical joust. Everyone kept the spaces well closed," Casteels noted.
The Belgians created few opportunities throughout the match. "I thought we could put a little more pressure on," Casteels said. "France certainly did not outplay us. We were in a good position when they wanted to attack, but when we had possession of the ball we had a little more difficulty. We lost the ball a little too easily."
Despite the tactical adjustments and efforts, Belgium's journey in Euro 2024 ended with this narrow defeat, while France continues to vie for the championship.
