Portugal and France Battle to a 0-0 Draw
Cutbacks Lead to French Victory in Penalty Shootout
Portugal Knocked Out After Joao Felix Misses in Shootout
WEB 25: In a thrilling quarterfinal match, Portugal and France played to a 0-0 draw, with France eventually prevailing 5-3 in a penalty shootout. Portugal's Joao Felix missed the decisive penalty, sending France to the semifinals, where they will face Spain.
Both teams struggled to create scoring chances in the first half, with Portugal managing just three shots, none of which were on target. France was slightly more dangerous, but they too failed to find the back of the net.
The second half was more open, and both teams had chances to win the game. Portugal came close in the 65th minute, but Cristiano Ronaldo's header was saved by Hugo Lloris. France had a great chance to take the lead in the 80th minute, but Kylian Mbappe's shot went just wide of the post.
With the game still deadlocked after 90 minutes, the match went to extra time. Neither team could find a breakthrough in extra time, and the match went to a penalty shootout.
France converted all five of their penalties, while Portugal missed two, including the decisive one from Felix. The win sends France to the semifinals, where they will face Spain. Portugal's tournament ends in disappointment, but they can be proud of their performance in the quarterfinal.
Comments