France emerged victorious over Portugal in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, prevailing in a penalty shootout after a scoreless draw on Friday. This win sets the stage for a semi-final clash with Spain. The 120 minutes of play in Hamburg were largely uneventful, with both teams struggling to create clear scoring opportunities. It was in the shootout that Joao Felix missed the only penalty, allowing Theo Hernandez to convert the decisive kick. Cristiano Ronaldo successfully scored his penalty, but this marks the first time the 39-year-old has not found the back of the net in a major tournament. The first half was particularly lackluster, with France's goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, making crucial saves to thwart both Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha. Eduardo Camavinga missed France's best chance of the match by shooting wide. Kylian Mbappe was substituted at the start of extra time, still coping with the effects of a broken nose sustained in France's opening match against Austria, which has required him to wear a protective mask.
In the earlier quarter-final on Friday, Spain defeated Germany with a dramatic 2-1 victory, thanks to Mikel Merino's header in the 119th minute.
