Euro 2024: Vertonghen own goal gives France edge over Belgium

France made their way into another major tournament quarter-final after seeing off Belgium in Dusseldorf. The tie was in the balance all the way, with Jan Vertonghen’s unfortunate own goal – the ninth of the tournament – the difference between the two sides. Portugal or Slovenia will be Les Bleus’ next opponent, with that final last-16 tie taking place later on Monday.

France booked their place in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals as a late own goal by Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen condemned his side to a narrow 1-0 last-16 defeat in Dusseldorf.

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Despite two-time winners France dominating large swathes of a scrappy match, extra-time looked likely until Vertonghen deflected the ball into his own net on 85 minutes in trying to block a shot by French substitute Randal Kolo Muani.

France have yet to score a goal themselves from open play in four matches at the tournament, but were overall deserving winners – they enjoyed 19 attempts at goal compared to five from their opponents – as they progress to a quarter-final meeting with Portugal or Slovenia in Hamburg on Friday.