Wednesday, November 11, 2026

France edge Belgium with late own goal to reach Euro 2024 quarter-finals

France will face the winner between Portugal and Slovenia.

• July 1, 2024
Belgium Vs France
Belgium Vs France[Credit: Sky sports]


France booked their spot in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals courtesy of a late own goal by Belgium’s Jan Vertonghen.

Having scored just two goals at Euro 2024 before today’s game, courtesy of an own goal and a penalty, Vertonghen’s unfortunate error was France’s ticket to the next stage.

In a dramatic turn of events at Düsseldorf Arena, the game featured few moments of brilliance and appeared to be heading for extra time until Vertonghen deflected Randal Kolo Muani’s strike into the net, handing Les Bleus the victory.

France squandered numerous opportunities as they continue to struggle to get their attack firing in this competition.

Captain Kylian Mbappe was not left out, as he also failed to convert chances that he typically buries with ease.

Belgium, on the other hand, had their moments and came close when Kevin De Bruyne made a brilliant run into open space, only to see his shot brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

France, who failed to top their group for the first time in 12 years, will face the winner between Portugal and Slovenia.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

Nigerian Bar Association

States

Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future

The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Kano inmates

Rights

NCoS, foundation provide medical outreach to 600 inmates in Kano

The Nigerian Correctional Service, in collaboration with YTTL Foundation, has conducted a medical outreach for over 600 inmates at Kurmawa and Goron Dutse custodial centres.

Troops

Maiduguri

Troops eliminate 42 terrorists in North-East, arrest 13 illegal miners

Troops of the Nigerian military killed 42 suspected terrorists in separate ground and air operations in Adamawa and Borno.

Oil Spillage used to tell the story

Rights

Amnesty urges oil firms to fund Niger Delta environmental clean-up

Amnesty International urged oil companies operating in Nigeria to contribute to a well-funded environmental restoration fund to finance the cleanup of the Niger Delta.

NITDA, NACCIMA

Economy

NACCIMA, NITDA seek N3 billion investment in Nigeria’s digital innovation

Agency and NACCIMA called for increased investment in local digital innovations to accelerate Nigeria’s economic growth.

Neema Olomi

Sport

Tanzanian golfer clinches 2026 Nigeria Ladies Open title in Abuja

Olomi sealed the title after three rounds of stroke-play competition, finishing five strokes ahead of her closest challenger, Afi Edo, who returned 234, 18 over par.

Deputy comptroller Femi Akanni

Lagos

Akanni takes over Kirikiri command in Lagos

Femi Akanni has assumed duty as customs area controller of Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command, succeeding Bolaji Adigun, who was redeployed to Port Harcourt command for traders.