The match between France and Belgium was extremely tight and tense. Belgium was determined to defend deep to limit France’s attacking ability. However, in the end, they still conceded a goal due to Vertoghen’s own goal in the 85th minute.

In the big match between France and Belgium, both teams made changes in both personnel and playing formation. France used a 4-3-1-2 formation with Griezmann playing as an attacking midfielder behind the strikers Mbappe and Thuram. Meanwhile, Belgium used a 4-3-3 formation with Onana playing as a holding midfielder next to Carrasco and De Bruyne. Doku and Openda played on the wings to support Lukaku.

It seemed that with a squad consisting of many attacking players, the two teams would play an attractive attacking game. However, in reality, Belgium pushed their squad deep into their own half to limit France’s attacks. Therefore, they only had 2 shots in the first half (1 on target).

On the French side, although they had more possession and 8 shots, only 1 was on target. French attacking stars like Mbappe, Thuram and Griezmann all tried to break through but failed. Even long-range shots from Tchouameni and Rabiot could not trouble goalkeeper Casteels. The first half ended without any goals scored.

Muani’s shot hit Vertonghen’s body, creating the only goal in the France vs Belgium match.

In the second half, France stepped up their attacks with a series of dangerous opportunities created in the first minutes of the half. Meanwhile, Belgium also pushed their formation higher than in the first half. However, the tension and intensity did not decrease.

The solidity of the two teams’ defenses meant that the attackers did not have much space to operate. Both Mbappe and Thuram on the French side and Lukaku and Carrasco on the Belgian side tried to break through and shoot but could not make a difference.

As time passed towards the end of the second half, the coaches of both teams sent their substitute players onto the field, but the match still did not have many notable developments.

However, the unexpected happened in the 85th minute. Kolo Muani received the ball in the penalty area before turning and shooting. The ball hit defender Vertonghen, leaving goalkeeper Casteels unable to react and helplessly watching the ball fly into the net.

This was also the only goal of the match. In the final minutes of the match, Belgium put all their efforts into attacking but due to the lack of time, they could not do anything more. In the end, France had a hard-fought victory over Belgium with the minimum score to qualify for the quarter-finals.

France vs Belgium lineup

Pháp: Maignan, Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez, Kante, Tchouameni, Rabiot, Griezmann, Thuram (Kolo Muani 62′), MbappeBỉ: Casteels, Castagne (De Ketelaere 89′), Faes, Vertonghen, Theate, Onana, De Bruyne, Doku, Openda (Mangala 64′), Carrasco (Lukébakio 89′), Lukaku