Kylian Mbappé and France advanced to the Euro 2024 quarterfinals after Randal Kolo Muani’s deflected shot secured a 1-0 win over Belgium on Monday in Düsseldorf.
Kolo Muani sent in an effort in the 85th minute that looped up off Belgium defender Jan Vertonghen and over stranded goalkeeper Koen Casteels.
France will play Portugal or Slovenia in the quarterfinals on Friday.
Mbappé, again wearing a mask to protect his broken nose, had five shots but none were on target in a match that was perhaps less spectacular than expected, although France seemed to do more with 19 shots against 5 from the Belgians.
France confirmed their positive trend against neighbouring Belgium, winning all previous games against them at major tournaments, most notably the 2018 World Cup semifinal, leading up to France’s final victory.
Despite reaching the quarter-finals, the small amount of goals netted at Euro 2024 – only three in four games, including an own goal and a penalty – remains a worrying signal for France.
