France 1-0 Belgium - RECAP: Les Bleus finally find breakthrough (2024)

Kevin De Bruyne's international future appears to be in some doubt going from his post match comments to the media.

When asked if he will retire from Belgium duty, he responded;

France made it through to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Belgium.

Randal Kolo Muani's effort in the 85th minute deflected in off Jan Vertonghen, which proved to be the difference between the two teams.

Although it wasn't an enthralling encounter, France took another major step forwards.

Click below to read Tom Collomosse's ratings of both sides

Belgium players didn't go over to their supporters after the goalless draw with Ukraine - after Kevin De Bruyne was left not impressed by the jeers from their fans.

This time they did go to their fans as they clapped them for their attendance at this tournament.

Though Euro 2024 won't live long in the memories of Belgian supporters.

That goal for France has been put down as a Jan Vertonghen own goal rather than a Kolo Muani goal.

So France's three goals at this tournament are made up by two own goals and a penalty from Kylian Mbappe.

They are yet to score from open play then, but it won't bother them too much now.

The Manchester United legend has said on ITV after the game;

Mail Sport's Matt Barlow is in Frankfurt for Portugal's clash with Slovenia. The winner of that match faces France in the quarter-finals.

He reports;

Theo Hernandez's incredible tackle on Yannick Carrasco might have been just as important to the match result as the goal.

Belgium looked certain to score but the defender showed excellent pace to get back and keep his opponent out, after William Saliba - who otherwise had an excellent game - gave the ball away.

France were the better team but lacked the cutting edge throughout the game, and sometimes you need a bit of luck which they got today!

Heartbreak for Belgium though. We were already past their Golden Generation but this tournament was still a good chance for them and their wait for international glory goes on.

The full-time whistle goes and France are through to the quarter-finals!

It wasn't pretty, and their performances continue to fail to live up to expectations, but much like you can say about England, they are through into the last-eight.

Randal Kolo Muani is the one that makes the difference however and they will face the winners of Portugal's clash with Slovenia.

Kevin De Bruyne's corner is headed away from danger.

Wout Faes then tries a long ball but France again clear with Randal Kolo Muani bursting into the Belgium half and winning a free-kick with Mangala conceding a yellow card.

Belgium with a cross across the face of the goal but no one can get on the end of it.

Jeremy Doku then tries to weave his way into the box and he wins a corner.

One minute left!

The French fans give a rousing rendition of their national anthem as the game approaches its 90th minute.

Lukabakio has a cross which is cleared before Theate has a shot which hits the referee forcing him to stop play and give the ball back to Belgium.

Three minutes of stoppage time

Belgium need to react quickly and France look happy to put all the players behind the ball as we reach the final moments.

Castagne plays a dangerous ball to De Bruyne but Saliba gets across well and blasts the ball off the Man City star for a goalkick.

Saliba celebrates his vital block like he scored a goal.

Two changes for Belgium then as Charles De Ketelere and Lukabakio replace Carrasco and Castagne.

That coulld be the deciding goal!

Belgium want a free-kick at the other end on Romelu Lukaku but they don't get it.

At the other end of the pitch, France work their way around the box before the ball is played to Randal Kolo Muani who spins and finds the back of the net.

There looked like a deflection but France won't care, it's their first goal from open play of the tournament and it might just have booked them a place in the quarter-finals.

Jeremy Doku looks relieved as he finally wins a free-kick after an unlucky second-half it has to be said as N'Golo Kante takes him down.

From the free-kick, Belgium create an attack and Kevin De Bruyne fires from distance forcing a save out of Mike Maignan!

Can anyone net a late winner and make a name for themselves? Or will it be extra-time?

Kylian Mbappe has his head in his hands as he tries to whip a shot into the far corner but it goes over the bar!

Jules Kounde had attempted to find Antoine Griezmann, but the ball went behind the Atletico Madrid man to Mbappe who couldn't get his shot on target.

Jan Vertonghen is taken down from behind by Randal Kolo Muani, before the Belgium man flicks his leg backwards to take down his opponent.

The referee caught the incident and the former Tottenham man gets a yellow card.

The Belgium manager is also shown a yellow card for his complaints.

Belgium unhappy as Jeremy Doku gives away a corner as he battles with Aurelien Tchouameni.

It did look like it went off the Frenchman.

Antoine Griezmann takes the corner but Jan Vertonghen clears into the path of William Saliba.

Saliba somehow turns Jeremy Doku and fires on goal but it goes wide of the near post.

That would have been a goal from an unlikely source!

Big chance for Belgium as Orel Mangala has a great run and sets up Romelu Lukaku who has his first real chance of the game but it's straight at Maignan before France clear the ball to safety.

At the other end Kylian Mbappe is exchanging words with Jan Vertonghen.

The France forward thought he was fouled inside the Belgium box by Amadou Onana but nothing was given.

Vertonghen perhaps accusing Mbappe of going down too easily.

Frustration for France who just can't put the ball in the back of the net so far, but plenty of time left in this second-half.

Kylian Mbappe accidently catches Yannick Carrasco with a palm to the eye and the Belgium man looks in some brief discomfort but he is okay.

France passing the ball around in midfield before rushing into a shot with Tchouameni again letting rip from long range but leans back and it goes over the bar.

We have just over 20 minutes plus stoppage time remaining.

Some lovely passing around the Belgium box leads to a chance for France as Adrien Rabiot sets up Antoine Griezmann whose effort curls wide of the post.

Orel Mangala comes on for Openda who has been quieter in this second-half.

William Saliba loses the ball and Kevin De Bruyne bursts forward and releases Yannick Carrasco.

Carrasco takes too much time to take his shot and Theo Hernandez does brilliantly to put his body on the line and block the effort which goes behind for a corner.

The resulting corner comes to nothing.

Just as I say Saliba has been impressive for France and he nearly gifts a goal to Belgium!

Change for France meanwhile as Marcus Thuram is replaced by Randal Kolo Muani.

The camera immediately shows Lillian Thuram in the stands, who doesn't give away any disappointment at the substitution of his son.

The stars of the show for France so far are Aurelien Tchouameni who has been impressive in midfield and William Saliba who is doing an excellent job on Romelu Lukaku.

Kevin De Bruyne keeps looking for his frontman but can't get the ball to him.

Antoine Griezmann wins the ball off Jeremy Doku who then takes down the Frenchman to give away a free-kick.

Smart by Griezmann who turned on the ball and got between Doku and the ball to win the free-kick.

Belgium left baffled by the referee as Jeremy Doku appears to be obviously fouled by N'Golo Kante but the referee says it's not a free-kick.

The Red Devils continue the attack and Doku can't believe it as the linesman lifts his flag after he battles for possession with Jules Kounde.

Jeremy Doku sends Jules Kounde inside and out with an electric run before the Frenchman keeps his composure and sticks out a leg to block his attempted cross.

Romelu Lukaku made a good run and will be frustrated the cross couldn't get into the box.

France back on the attack through N'Golo Kante and Antoine Griezmann with the latter finding Kylian Mbappe who makes a brilliant run but he misfires and the ball trickles well wide of goal.

Any time the ball goes to Romelu Lukaku then William Saliba and one of his French team-mates are there to meet him.

Frustrating game for the striker so far.

France starting to hurry things up meanwhile as Mbappe beats two team-mates into the box and curls a shot not far over the bar.

Belgium head the ball away from the free-kick but the ball comes out to Jules Kounde whose cross is headed over the bar by Marcus Thuram!

Another good chance for the forward but he can't direct it goalwards again.

Nice play by France as Kylian Mbappe on the left finds N'Golo Kante who then sets up Aurelien Tchouameni.

The Real Madrid star shoots on goal first time and it's tipped behind via deflection for a France corner.

France then win a free-kick not long after the corner as Lois Openda is too late as he tries to win the ball from Theo Hernandez.

Belgium with the offence to begin the second-half with Kevin De Bruyne finding Romelu Lukaku who is quickly charged down by two French defenders and loses the ball.

They win it back but Yannick Carrasco's cross is unable to find a team-mate - not like there was many options in the box anyway!

Belgium get us back underway, will we see an improved second-half?

Marcus Thuram had the biggest chance of the half with this header but he couldn't quite direct it on target.

Les Bleus will be hoping that they don't rue this miss.

Paul Pogba has been snapped in the stands with Thuram's father and France legend Lillian, wonder if that miss came up in their conversation.

It was a half where both sides appeared to be addicted to losing the ball, with only William Saliba not losing possession a single time so far.

Well that first-half flew by, even if the quality on the field wasn't particularly that great!

Belgium have perhaps been the slightly better side, France started to improve at the end of the half.

But a big half time team talk needed in both dressing rooms you feel.

Kevin De Bruyne has his head in his hands as he gives away a free-kick while trying to knick the ball off Adrien Rabiot inside the French box.

At the other end Theo Hernandez falls into the box as Faes challenges him but the ball goes behind for a corner.

From the corner it looks like it's going to come to nothing but the speed of feet from Kylian Mbappe is incredible as he keeps off Jeremy Doku who has three attempts to knick the ball off him.

The ball is played back to Aurelien Tchouameni who is leaning back and the ball blazes over the bar.

France passing it around and starting to keep hold of it now.

They are passing it around the Belgium box as they try to find a way through the oppoisition defence but there is not enough space.

Belgium seem happy to break on the counter, which they attempt when Romelu Lukaku eventually wins the ball and tries to find Lois Openda but his pass needed more pace to reach his team-mate.

Beautiful first time pass by Antoine Griezmann into the feet of Kylian Mbappe inside the Belgium box.

The Real Madrid forward then tries to find a team-matew but it's cleared away.

Moiments later Aurelien Tchouameni sees his opportunity from long range but it curls wide of the post.

Belgium have made Jeremy Doku their main attacking source and are always looking for the Manchester City star but France have dealt well with him so far - even if they have given away a couple of free-kicks.

France on the other hand would like to get Kylian Mbappe on the ball more.

There is a good cross from Theo Hernandez but Casteels beats Thuram to the ball - only just.

France's best chance of the game comes from a switch of play to Jules Kounde on the right and his cross is headed wide by Marcus Thuram!

Thuram got himself into some great space and perhaps should do better but finally some sort of positive play from Les Bleus.

Going the other way Jeremy Doku waves his arms up in the air as Kounde pulls him back.

Belgium have been the better side in this opening half an hour and France keep giving the ball away.

Didier Deschamps' side are lucky that Belgium haven't taken advantage of Les Bleus' lack performance so far.

Ian Herbert reporting from the Dusseldorf Arena;

Yannick Carrasco is claiming he sees a handball as Belgium have a big chance.

Openda turns Upamecano and plays the ball across to Carrasco whose shot is blocked by Hernandez.

He claims it came off the French defender's hand but he's never going to get it as Hernandez had his arms by his side.

A very interesting save from Mike Maignan who looks caught off guard by Kevin De Bruyne's free-kick and makes the save with his feet!

Then there's another yellow card for France and it's for Adrien Rabiot - again looks harsh to me and that means he will miss the quarter-final if France get there.

Free-kick to Belgium and it's a yellow card for Antoine Griezmann.

Jeremy Doku runs to the French box and he's taken down just outside it, the yellow card though is perhaps a bit harsh on the Atletico Madrid star.

Chance for De Bruyne to put in a dangerous ball.

Romelu Lukaku shows great strength and brings Yannick Carrasco into play, and the winger should cross first time for Jeremy Doku but allows France players to get back and Les Bleus deal with the attack.

Paul Pogba has been pictured in the stands. Wonder what he makes of France's start?

He probably wouldn't have been impressed by Adrien Rabiot's Row Z effort just.

Another corner for France taken by Antoine Griezmann but Marcus Thuram at the near post has a poor header.

He goes for goal but the angle he was attempting it from there was no chance he would get it on target and perhaps he should have headed it behind him for a team-mate to get on the end of.

Dangerous attack from Belgium as Yannick Carrasco bursts forward and goes down under pressure from Theo Hernandez.

Carrasco's reaction suggests he feels there should have been a penalty, it might have just been outside the box if there was a foul, but the referee doesn't deem there to have been one so play goes on.

France win a corner and Antoine Griezmann steps up to take it.

Griezmann plays it short and after link-up play between Adrien Rabiot and Kylian Mbappe, the latter has a shot which is deflected over the bar.

The referee awards a goal kick and France are fuming!

Aurelien Tchouameni's protests are too strong and he is the first man into the book.

Boos from the Belgian supporters as William Saliba makes a challenge on Romelu Lukaku who feels like he should have a free-kick but only a throw-in is awarded.

Kylian Mbappe picks the ball deep and finds Antoine Griezmann who attempts a first time ball over the top for the new Real Madrid signing but the ball is headed out of danger.

Marcus Thuram is then brought down and has a look of disbelief as he is not awarded a free-kick and the ball goes out for a goalkick.

Long ball is played forward for Openda to chase down but Mike Maignan reads the danger well and beats the Belgian man to the ball.

Sharp reaction after a loose ball from Griezmann.

Kevin De Bruyne tries a long ball into the box but France defend well.

Lois Openda tries to chase the ball down the right flank but it's well defended by Dayot Upamecano.

Not long after William Saliba heads the ball out of the France box as Belgium start to pose an attack.

Early action for Kylian Mbappe who tries to find some space but has to pull the back and it is crossed into the box with Adrien Rabiot getting a foot on the ball, but can only send the ball over the crossbar.

No goal from open play for France in this tournament, they will want to rectify that quickly.

Both sets of national anthems face heavy boos from the opposing supporters but the players get into position for kick-off.

And it's France who get us underway!

Paul Pogba, who is in attendance for the game has posted on Instagram;

The players are in the tunnel!

The winner of this match is likely in for a difficult tie in the quarter-finals with Portugal heavy favourites to reach the last eight.

They meet Slovenia who made it out of England's group, but are given little hope of making the next round.

Though a much-changed Portugal side lost to Georgia in their final group stage game.

Belgium duo Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne haven't enjoyed the best tournaments so far.

Doku has been electric on the wing but has let himself down with his final pass across the opening games of the tournament.

De Bruyne took the ire of Belgium fans after the goalless draw with Ukraine, after he told his team-mates not to go over to them after the final whistle, after they were greeted with jeers by their supporters.

Both men played huge parts for Manchester City in their Premiuer League title defence this season, but you feel more will be needed from them today if they are to stand a chance against France.

Former Spanish international Gaiza Mendieta has told ITV;

Roy Keane meanwhile has said that it's 'only a matter of time before he kicks into gear,' while Gary Neville feels the better teams in the tournament will give Mbappe more space so it 'might open up for him'.

Should Mbappe score today, it will take his goal tally across the Euros and World Cup - drawing level with Michel Platini who leads the way for France.

Meanwhile, he is only two goals away from becoming the third French player to score 50 goals in all competitions, after Olivier Giroud (57) and Thierry Henry (51).

Earlier today, Paul Pogba was seen entertaining the French fans ahead of the big game.

Kylian Mbappe has been doing his warm-ups with and without the mask as both sets of players do their last-minute preparations with kick-off over 20 minutes away.

The stands at the Dusseldorf Arena are filling out with supporters from both nations in fine voice.

Mail Sport's Ian Herbert from the Dusseldorf Arena;

There are three players leading the race for Euro 2024's Golden Boot award - Georges Mikautadze of Georgia, Germany's Jamal Musiala and Slovakia's Ivan Schranz.

They have all scored three goals, the same amount of goals Romelu Lukaku has had disallowed at this tournament.

The former Chelsea and Man United man was taken off after an underwhelming display against Ukraine, but could this be the day where he finally gets off the mark at the Euros?

Paul Pogba is set to make a rare public appearance as a special guest for France's crunch clash against Belgium.

The former Manchester United midfielder has kept a low profile ever since news of his positive reading for a banned substance emerged in September 2023.

But Pogba is scheduled to attend the Euro 2024 quarter-final against Roberto Martinez's side on Monday evening after accepting an invitation to be part of the official contingent of dignitaries to attend the clash in Dusseldorf.

Click below to read more...

It is safe to say that we have not seen the best of Kylian Mbappe in this tournament so far.

He broke his nose in the first game against Austria, forcing him to wear a mask, and he is also yet to find the back of the net from open play - the same striker who scored a hat trick in the last World Cup final.

Speaking ahead of today's game, he said;

Mail Sport's Ian Herbert, reporting from the Dusseldorf Arena;

Today's match is being played at the Dusseldorf Arena which has a capacity of 66,500 supporters.

Fans from both sides seem to be in fine spirits well before the match gets underway.

Players and staff from both sides have inspected the pitch and to get a feel of the atmosphere.

France might be the heavy favourites given Belgium's struggles, but when these two sides play it is normally close with two draws, one Belgium victory and two wins for France in their last five meetings.

Each of those wins there was only one goal in it - including their last meeting in the Nations League in October 2021 when Les Bleus won 3-2.

Two changes for Belgium as Lois Openda and Yannick Carrasco come into the fold.

Arsenal's Leandro Trossard - who was far from his best against Ukraine last time out - drops to the bench.

Antoine Griezmann returns to the starting XI after he was left on the bench in the 1-1 draw with Poland.

The masked Kylian Mbappe starts and will captain the side, while Marcus Thuram also returns to the line-up.

And welcome to Mail Sport's live coverage of France's Euro 2024 last-16 clash with Belgium.

Les Bleus are one of the heavy favourites for this tournament but they have underwhelmed so far.

Belgium scraped through a group where all four sides finished on four points.

So this has the makings for a fascinating match. Can France or Belgium finally step up to the mark at Euro 2024?

We will provide all the build-up and and updates from kick-off at 5pm.