In a nail-biting encounter that extended to penalty shootouts, France has finally broken its long-standing jinx by winning a penalty shootout at a major tournament for the first time since 1998.
The quarterfinal clash against Portugal at Euro 2024 ended goalless, but the French team emerged victorious in the shootout, winning 5-3, marking a historic evening that will be remembered by the French supporters for years.
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A night of high stakes
The match itself was a tense affair with neither side able to break the deadlock throughout regulation and extra time. The weight of history loomed large as France approached the shootout—a scenario that has historically been unkind to them. Memories of past failures in crucial moments were on the minds of fans and players alike, but this night was different.
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Breaking the curse
The decisive moment came during the penalty shootout. After Ousmane Dembélé coolly converted the first penalty, the stage was set for a dramatic sequence. French players, one after another, approached the spot with a mix of determination and the heavy burden of history. Each successful penalty seemed to lift the weight of past disappointments.
Unlikely heroes
Among the night’s standout moments was Jules Koundé’s penalty—the first of his professional career. Koundé’s confident strike was a testament to his preparation and mental fortitude, epitomizing the team’s newfound resolve under pressure. Meanwhile, Portugal’s João Félix hit the post, a miss that tilted the scales in France’s favor.
39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo consoling 41-year-old Pepe after Portugal's eliminated from Euro 2024 in penalties to France ❤️
Two absolute legends 🐐🐐 pic.twitter.com/5PCXLi6azw
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 5, 2024
The final blow
The shootout culminated in Theo Hernandez stepping up to seal the win. His successful penalty not only secured France’s advancement to the semifinals but also served as a cathartic release for a nation that has seen its share of heartbreak in similar scenarios.
Tactical preparations pay off
Behind the scenes, the French team’s success was no fluke. Prior to the quarterfinal, Coach Didier Deschamps had emphasized the importance of penalty preparation. This focus was a shift from previous tournaments where penalties seemed more an afterthought than a planned strategy.
Character and resilience
This victory highlighted the character and resilience of a French squad that has often been criticized for failing to convert its talent into results in crunch moments. Without Kylian Mbappé and Olivier Giroud, other players stepped up, showing that leadership and composure are well distributed throughout this team.
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This article explores France’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over Portugal in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals. It marks a significant moment as France overcame a historical hurdle that has haunted them in past tournaments. The successful penalties by a mix of seasoned players and newcomers underscored a team evolution, emphasizing preparation and mental toughness. This win not only advances France to the semifinals but also restores a belief in their ability to prevail in the most nerve-wracking moments of football.
