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DUSSELDORF, GERMANY - JULY 01: Kylian Mbappe of France looks on, whilst wearing a Black Protective Face Mask, alongside teammate Antoine Griezmann during the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 match between France and Belgium at Düsseldorf Arena on July 01, 2024 in Dusseldorf, Germany. (Photo by Matt McNulty - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Portugal 0-0 France [AET; 5-3 on pens]: Les Bleus to face Spain in Munich semifinal

With the first two EURO2024 quarterfinals now completed, France will face Spain in Munich on July 9, having recorded a 5-4 shootout win over Portugal in Hamburg on Friday.

Neither side could find the breakthrough in regulation time, but les Bleus prevailed in a thrilling penalty shootout – meaning they’ve now reached the semifinals without scoring a goal from open play at the tournament.

As it happened

The big teams have disappointed so often in Germany this summer, and the second of Friday’s semifinals was no different – some would go as far as to make a case for it being the dullest game of the tournament.

After a flurry of early chances for Les Bleus, all of which were so painfully squandered by France’s attacking options, Portugal began to dominate… possession. Roberto Martínez’s men did not seem in any rush to escape their own half, and when they did, they posed no real threat to Mike Maignan’s clean sheet.

The second half looked, at least initially, to provide more chances – and the first fell for France. After an untimely slip from Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappé picked up the pieces and curled an effort towards goal, only to be denied by Diogo Costa.

Photo by Matt McNulty – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Bruno Fernandes came close with a thumping strike, but it was at the other end that Portugal truly impressed: Pepe kept up with the face of Marcus Thuram, forcing a corner that signified the last chance of the initial 90 minutes.

Cristiano Ronaldo had lacked service throughout the night, but when he was finally found at the back post by Francisco Conceição in extra-time, the multiple Ballon d’Or winner blazed over the crossbar. Neither team could score – and so penalties were in order.

Following Diogo Costa’s shootout heroics in the round-of-16, Portugal will have undoubtedly have been the more confident side – and, like France, they smashed home their first two efforts convincingly.

But when João Felix struck the post on the third attempt, the cards were in France’s hands. Jules Koundé, Bradley Barcola and Theo Hernández made sure Didier Deschamps’ men did not waste the opportunity – and when the left-back slotted home, Portugal’s exit was confirmed.

France will face Spain in Munich on July 9.

The lineups

POR: Costa; Mendes, Pepe, Días, Cancelo; Palhinha, Vitinha; Leão, Fernandes, Silva; Ronaldo

FRA: Maignan; Hernández, Saliba, Upamecano, Koundé; Camvinga, Tchouaméni, Kanté; Griezmann; Mbappé, Kolo Muani

Portugal 0-0 France [AET; 5-3 on pens]: Les Bleus to face Spain in Munich semifinal – FromTheSpot