In the quarterfinal matchup between France and Belgium, it was evident that both teams struggled to find their rhythm in terms of goal-scoring. France managed to secure a victory with a late own goal from substitute Randal Kolo Muani. This win propelled France to their sixth quarterfinal appearance at the European Championship, highlighting their consistency in major tournaments. However, their lack of goals from open play is concerning, with all three goals so far in Euro 2024 coming from two own goals and a penalty kick by Kylian Mbappe. This reliance on opponent mistakes to score raises questions about their offensive capabilities and creativity in open play.
A notable statistic from the quarterfinals is N’Golo Kante’s record of the longest unbeaten run by any European player in major tournament history. With France not losing any of the 19 games in which Kante has played (winning 13 and drawing 6), his impact on the team’s success cannot be understated. Kante’s presence in the midfield has provided stability and control for France, making him a key player to watch as they progress through the tournament.
On the other hand, Belgium’s performance against France was underwhelming, especially in terms of their offensive output. With only five shots in the match, the fewest in a major tournament game since 1990, Belgium failed to test the French defense effectively. This lack of attacking threat raises concerns about Belgium’s ability to compete against top teams in crucial moments. Despite Jan Vertonghen’s own goal being a standout moment, Belgium will need to improve their offensive strategies to achieve success in future tournaments.
For Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance in the quarterfinals was marked by missed opportunities, particularly his failure to score despite attempting 20 shots. Ronaldo’s missed penalty kick in extra time was a rare occurrence in his career, highlighting the pressure and expectations placed on him as a top-tier player. His struggles with free kicks, going 0-33 in direct free kick attempts in his Euro career, raise questions about his effectiveness in set-piece situations. As Portugal advances to their 7th Euro quarterfinal appearance, Ronaldo will need to rediscover his scoring touch to lead his team to success.
A standout performer in the quarterfinals was Portugal’s goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who made history by saving three penalties in a Euro shootout. Costa’s impressive display in the penalty shootout, where he made more saves than he did in the preceding 120 minutes, showcased his composure under pressure. Becoming the first goalkeeper to concede zero goals in a Euro shootout, Costa’s heroics were instrumental in Portugal’s advancement to the next stage of the tournament. His ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments bodes well for Portugal’s chances as they aim for Euro glory.
Overall, the quarterfinal matchups in Euro 2024 provided a mix of intriguing moments and statistical milestones. While some teams struggled to find their footing offensively, individual performances like N’Golo Kante’s unbeaten run and Diogo Costa’s goalkeeping heroics showcased the talent and determination on display in the tournament. As the competition intensifies in the later stages, teams will need to be at their best to secure victory and etch their names in European football history.