Milan left-back Theo Hernandez converted the decisive penalty in a shoot-out as France beat Portugal to set up the EURO 2024 semi-final against Spain, despite their lack of goals.
Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot was suspended in Hamburg, so Eduardo Camavinga stepped in and Inter striker Marcus Thuram dropped to the bench for Randal Kolo Muani. Milan trio Rafael Leao, Mike Maignan and Theo Hernandez all started the quarter-final.
Theo Hernandez hit a rocket that stung the gloves of Diogo Costa, who was the hero when Portugal beat Slovenia in a penalty shoot-out for the Round of 16.
Rafael Leao nutmegged France defender Jules Koundé and then skinned him again down that flank.
After the restart, Kylian Mbappé fired into the arms of the goalkeeper from outside the box, while Nuno Mendes bizarrely launched into a dive when he was clear on goal.
Camavinga had to make a huge tackle on Leao inside the six-yard box and Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan needed a great save on the Bruno Fernandes angled drive.
Maignan did even better moments later with a reaction save on Vitinha, who had been set up by Rafael Leao for the tap-in from close range.
Great save from Mike Maignan to deny Bruno Fernandes 🖐️ #BBCEuros #Euro2024 #PORFRA pic.twitter.com/t1sBTQPhXg
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 5, 2024
Kolo Muani was sent through to score for France from 12 yards, but a decisive Ruben Dias block deflected it wide, while Camavinga pulled a shot across the face of goal from six yards after a lucky ricochet and Ousmane Dembele’s curler flashed just off target.
William Saliba had to throw himself in the way of a Bernardo Silva strike and 41-year-old Pepe perfectly timed the tackle on Inter striker Marcus Thuram.
It went to extra time and Cristiano Ronaldo ballooned over the bar from close range, while Pepe blocked the Mbappé effort after a strong Dembele run.
Rafael Leao was also denied by a desperate block and Joao Felix turned his header against the side-netting, but at the last minute Nuno Mendes and Thuram both failed to make the most of opportunities.
It went to a penalty shoot-out, confirming France scored just three goals in five games, two of them were own goals and one a penalty.
Diogo Costa saved all three against Slovenia, but here Joao Felix made the only mistake by drilling it against the upright and Milan’s Theo Hernandez kept his cool to convert the winner.
Theo Hernandez books France's place in the #Euro2024 semi-finals 🇫🇷
Portugal are out.#BBCEuros #Euro2024 #PORFRA pic.twitter.com/qiX9adk4Oi
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 5, 2024
Portugal 0-0 France (aet, 4-5 pens)
Penalty shoot-out: Dembele (F, goal), Ronaldo (P, goal), Fofana (F, goal), Bernardo Silva (P, goal), Kounde (F, goal), Joao Felix (P, post), Barcola (F, goal), Nuno Mendes (P, goal), Theo Hernandez (F, goal)
Match statistic
