After a goalless 120 minutes at Hamburg on Friday, France edged out Portugal in a penalty shootout to cement their spot in the Euro 2024 semi-finals. 

Theo Hernandez clinched victory for France burying his penalty into the net, while Joao Felix, who was brought on as a substitute, struck the post ending Portugal’s Euro 2024 dream.

The game marked the end of an era for Portugal’s captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who had earlier said this would be his last appearance in a Euro tournament. 

Much was anticipated in a duel between the veteran Ronaldo and France’s captain Kylian Mbappe. But neither of the two players managed to make a significant impact in the game.

Though Ronaldo did convert his penalty, Mbappe, who had earlier sustained a facial injury necessitating a mask due to a broken nose, was unable to participate in the shootout as he was substituted during extra time.

Portugal created better chances but failed to utilise them before the game rolled into a penalty shootout. 

Mike Maignan made brilliant saves, denying Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha, while Randal Kolo Muani saw his shot deflected narrowly wide by Ruben Dias.  

Also, Eduardo Camavinga missed a crucial opportunity for France in regular time.

With the deadlock unbroken after regulation time, Portugal’s hopes dwindled further when Ronaldo missed a late chance in extra time, firing Francisco Conceicao’s cutback well over the crossbar. 

Unlike against Slovenia in their round of 16 game, Portugal ran out of luck in Friday’s shootout, their second consecutive encounter decided by penalties.

France’s victory sets up a semi-final clash against Spain in Munich on Tuesday. The encounter would make or break either France’ or Spain’s European glory dream.