Mary Mahy, Media365: Posted on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 12:20 AM
Discover our highs and lows after France's victory over Portugal, after a penalty shootout (0-0, 5-3 tab), on the field of the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.
Peaks
Mike Minyan, impassable
If the Portuguese scored four of their attempts, they would have hit an impenetrable wall in this match. Milan's French international goalkeeper Mike Maignan didn't let anything slip during the 120 minutes of play, and Mendes, Ronaldo, Fernandes and even Vitinha were able to notice that.
Eduardo Camavinga, the pleasant surprise
A surprise in the absence of Adrien Rabiot due to suspension, and Eduardo Camavinga responded, along with Tshuamini and Kante. Whether defensively or even offensively, the French international midfielder from Real Madrid was valuable and could score, which he did touch a remarkable amount of.
Bibi, President
The Portuguese defense held up well against French attacks. In the axis, the leader was Bibi. The veteran, now 41, showed real authority, while also being clean in his tackles. For example, against Randall Kolo Mwani in the 31st minute of play.
He flops
Cristiano Ronaldo is not decisive
In this fifth European encounter, Cristiano Ronaldo (39 years old) once again started from the beginning. This meeting was once again complicated for the football legend. For the fourth time in this edition, the Portuguese was unable to decide and left the competition without scoring a goal.
Kylian Mbappe Antoine Griezmann, it's complicated
The French attack witnessed a lot of waste, such as Kylian Mbappe, who scored two goals despite this. For his part, Antoine Griezmann had difficulty in the match, especially in the second half. Both players even ended up being substituted before the penalty shootout.
Unfortunate Joao Felix
Joao Felix was not used much during this Euro, coming on just before the second period of extra time. The Portuguese only waited two minutes before trying his luck for the first time, without hitting the goal. During the penalty shootout, the striker hit Qaim Minnan.
