A highly anticipated Euro 2024 quarterfinal between France and Portugal turned out to be a goalless affair, with star players Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo unable to find the net. The game went into added time after 90 minutes but still ended in a draw, leading to a penalty shootout. France's Ousmane Dembele made the first successful penalty for his team, giving them an early lead.
Headless Draw: France and Portugal Starve Fans in Euro 2024 Quarterfinal
The eagerly awaited Euro 2024 quarterfinal clash between France and Portugal ended in a goalless stalemate, failing to live up to the high expectations set by the presence of star players Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite valiant efforts from both teams, neither side could break the deadlock during regulation time. The game remained tense and evenly balanced, with few clear-cut chances created. Mbappe, the reigning FIFA World Player of the Year, and Ronaldo, the all-time leading international scorer, were closely marked and unable to exert their usual influence on the match.
With the scores level at 0-0 after 90 minutes, the game went into extra time. However, the additional 30 minutes failed to produce a goal, leaving the match to be decided by a penalty shootout.
France's Ousmane Dembele opened the scoring in the shootout with a composed finish. However, Portugal's Bruno Fernandes equalized shortly after, sending the shootout into sudden death. Both teams converted their subsequent penalties, raising the pressure on the next takers.
In the end, it was France's Aurelien Tchouameni who proved to be the hero, firing home the winning spot-kick to secure a hard-fought 4-3 victory. France will now advance to the semifinals, while Portugal's Euro 2024 journey comes to an end.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. Why were Mbappe and Ronaldo so ineffective in the match? Mbappe and Ronaldo were closely marked by the opposition defenses and were unable to receive the ball in dangerous positions. The absence of clear-cut scoring opportunities limited their impact on the game.
2. What was the turning point of the match? The turning point came in the penalty shootout, where France converted all their spot-kicks while Portugal missed two. Tchouameni's winning penalty proved to be the decisive moment.
3. What is the historical rivalry between France and Portugal in football? France and Portugal have a long-standing rivalry in football, meeting in numerous international competitions. Notable matches include the Euro 2016 final, which Portugal won 1-0.
4. What is the significance of this result for France? This victory takes France one step closer to defending their Euro title. They will face either Germany or England in the semifinals, setting up the potential for another thrilling encounter.
5. What is the future of Cristiano Ronaldo's international career? It is unclear whether Ronaldo will continue playing for Portugal after this tournament. The 37-year-old forward has hinted at retirement but has not yet made a formal decision.
Juventus fullback Andrea Cambiaso believes that Italy played well in their match against France, despite ultimately losing 3-1. Both teams were already qualified for the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, but the top spot in the group was still up for grabs. Despite the loss, Cambiaso and the rest of the Azzurri put up a strong fight and nearly equalized in the final minutes, showing resilience after their disappointing Euro 2024 campaign.
After a tense match, Croatia and Portugal ended with a 1-1 draw in Group A1 of the UEFA Nations League, securing Croatia's spot in the quarterfinals. Both teams fought hard, but ultimately couldn't break the deadlock. This result means that Portugal will have to fight for their place in the tournament in their upcoming match against Sweden. Keep following Al Jazeera English for all the latest updates on the UEFA Nations League.
In a nail-biting match, Croatia and Portugal face off in Group A1 of the UEFA Nations League, both vying for a spot in the quarterfinals. After an intense 90 minutes, the game ends in a 1-1 draw, securing Croatia's place in the next round. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis on the tournament as it progresses.
During the 39th FIVB World Congress, Achyuta Samanta, founder of KIIT and KISS, was honored with the highest recognition from FIVB – the Grand Cross Award. This prestigious award recognizes Samanta's exceptional contributions in promoting and developing volleyball at the grassroots level. FIVB President Ary Graça presented the award at a ceremony attended by representatives from 222 countries, acknowledging Samanta's impact on sports and education globally. Samanta dedicated the award to Lord Jagannath and the people of India, especially those in Odisha, KIIT, and KISS.
Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the Founder of KIIT and KISS, has been awarded the Grand Cross Award by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) for his remarkable contributions to the development of sports, particularly volleyball. This prestigious recognition was presented to him during the 39th FIVB World Congress, attended by representatives from 222 countries. Dr. Samanta's dedication and efforts in promoting sports at national and global levels have been highly appreciated, making him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
The Founder of KIIT and KISS, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, has been awarded the Grand Cross Award, the highest honour from the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). The recognition was given for his admirable efforts in promoting and developing sports, with a focus on volleyball. The prestigious award was presented to him by FIVB President Dr. Ary Graca at the 39th FIVB World Congress in Portugal, attended by representatives from 222 countries.
Dr Samanta, the founder of KIIT and KISS, was presented with the Grand Cross Award by FIVB President Dr Ary Graca at the 39th FIVB World Congress in Porto, Portugal. This prestigious recognition acknowledges Dr Samanta's outstanding contributions in promoting sports, particularly volleyball. Representatives from 222 countries praised his remarkable achievements in sports and education as he dedicated the award to Lord Jagannath and all sports enthusiasts and athletes of India.
In an intense and exciting match, Portugal's Joao Felix secured their victory against Croatia with a beautiful goal. Fans were on the edge of their seats as Portugal maintained their lead against a tough opponent until the final whistle. Despite some substitutions, including Leao being replaced by Fabio Silva, Portugal's strong performance led them to their second win in the UEFA Nations League.
With two games left in the Oceania semi-finals, New Zealand's All Whites coach Darren Bazeley is determined to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup in North America. After finishing top of their group with a dominant 8-0 victory over Samoa, the team faces Fiji in their semi-final match in March. Bazeley recognizes the challenge of facing weaker opposition, but remains optimistic and determined to prepare his team for success.
Spain's La Roja are set to face Switzerland in their final Nations League group match as they aim to secure another title. With progress to the quarter-finals already confirmed, Spain may use this game as an opportunity to try out new strategies and players. Ayoze Perez, who scored the winner for Spain in their last match, is a doubt for tonight's clash due to an injury. Meanwhile, several younger players could make their debut for the European champions.