Goodbye Cristiano! France advance to EURO 2024 semi-finals as Portugal pay ultimate penalty

Goodbye Cristiano! France advance to EURO 2024 semi-finals as Portugal pay ultimate penalty

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 22:52 - 05.07.2024

France defeated Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal 5-3 on penalties to advance to the semi-finals of EURO 2024

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Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal out of EURO 2024

Portugal dominated much of the first half but created very little as France soaked up the pressure and tried to break with the pace of Kylian Mbappe and Randal Kolo Muani up front.

As the game opened up in the second half, Portugal created two golden chances in quick succession. Fernandes was denied by Mike Maignan's strong save, and Vitinha fired straight at the goalkeeper.

France responded with two opportunities, but Ruben Dias made a superb last-ditch block to deny Randal Kolo Muani, and Eduardo Camavinga dragged his shot wide.

The match went to extra time, with Ronaldo missing a chance to put Portugal ahead. He made a darting run to meet Francisco Conceiçao's pullback but blazed his shot over the bar.

Portugal threatened to win it in the 120th minute, but Nuno Mendes' effort was saved by Maignan, sending the match to a penalty shootout.

Unfortunately for Roberto Martinez's men, substitute Joao Felix hit the post, and France converted all five of their spot-kicks to set up a semi-final clash with Spain.

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