Mbappe and France advance to the Euro 2024 quarterfinals following Muani’s decisive late goal that secured a 1-0 victory over Belgium.
“It’s beautiful,” said the France coach after Les Bleus advanced to the Euro 2024 quarterfinals with a 1-0 victory over Belgium in the round of 16 on Monday, thanks to the ninth own-goal of the tournament.
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The much-anticipated clash between No. 2-ranked France and No. 3-ranked Belgium fell short of expectations, and the match’s only goal reflected this.
Substitute Randal Kolo Muani, in the 85th minute, took a shot that deflected off Belgium’s Jan Vertonghen and sailed over goalkeeper Koen Casteels.
“I was fortunate to get my shot on target,” Kolo Muani commented on his crucial contribution. “It was blocked but still went in. We’re incredibly happy and proud.”
UEFA officially recorded Kolo Muani’s effort as an own-goal, adding to the tournament’s tally of such incidents.
This is the second own-goal France has benefited from, in addition to a penalty scored by Mbappe. Thus far, no France player has scored from open play.
“Although today’s goal was enough to advance us to the quarterfinals, we have the ability to score more,” said Deschamps.
France will face either Portugal or Slovenia in the quarterfinals on Friday.
