N’Golo Kante now holds the record for the longest unbeaten run by any European player in major tournament history. France has not lost any of the 19 games he has played in, with 13 wins and 6 draws. This highlights Kante’s importance to the French team, showcasing his defensive capabilities and his ability to control the midfield.
France’s Lack of Open Play Goals
France has scored a total of 3 goals in Euro 2024, but none of these goals have come from open play. Two own goals and a penalty kick goal by Kylian Mbappe make up their tally. This raises questions about their attacking prowess and their ability to create goal-scoring opportunities through open play.
Belgium had a disappointing performance in their match against France, registering only 5 shots – the fewest in a major tournament match since 1990. This lack of offensive output is concerning for a team that boasts talented attacking players such as Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne.
Cristiano Ronaldo attempted a total of 20 shots in Euro 2024 without finding the back of the net. This is a rare occurrence for the prolific goal-scorer, who leads the tournament in shots and shots on target. His missed penalty kick in extra time was also a first in his career, showcasing his fallibility in high-pressure situations.
Diogo Costa emerged as the hero for Portugal, saving three penalties in a Euro penalty shootout and conceding zero goals. His performance in the shootout was more impressive than his saves during the 120 minutes of regular play, underscoring his composure and shot-stopping abilities.
Portugal’s match against Slovenia ended in a goalless draw, marking the fifth 0-0 draw in Euro 2024. This result ties the tournament with the 1996 edition for the most goalless draws in a Euro competition. Portugal’s ability to grind out results and advance to their 7th Euro quarterfinal appearance speaks to their defensive resilience.
Overall, the quarterfinal contests in Euro 2024 have provided a mix of excitement and disappointment. While individual players like N’Golo Kante and Diogo Costa have shone with their performances, others like Cristiano Ronaldo and Belgium’s attacking line have struggled to make an impact. As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to see how these teams adapt and improve in the later stages.
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