In this passionate and unpredictable summer, the flames of the European Championship have once again ignited the enthusiasm of the fans, and on the night of July 2, a key battle quietly kicked off between France and Belgium, a priceless battle between the two teams, with a combined value of nearly 1.8 billion euros, and a star-studded squad that makes people look forward to a football feast.
However, when the final whistle blew, there was an unexpected "silence" as France narrowly beat Belgium 1-0, and behind this victory was a tactical game and the elusive serendipity of the football world.
Before the game, all eyes were on what was supposed to be an early final, with France, with a king of speed like Kylian Mbappe and a midfield commander like Antoine Griezmann, with a squad as luxurious as a fantasy team out of a football manager game.
Belgium, not to be outdone, the names of Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are enough to make any defence tremble.
However, when the game began, the expected goalscoring feast did not come as expected, and was replaced by a near-suffocating tactical tug-of-war.
France's attack was like an unfinished symphony, every note was full of power but failed to resonate with each other, Mbappe's pace looked a little isolated in front of Belgium's iron bucket formation, and Griezmann's passes, although accurate, struggled to find the chance to strike.
Belgium opted for a more pragmatic counter-attack, with Kevin De Bruyne playing the artist's hand in midfield, but his team-mates were unable to find the key to victory in the face of France's solid defence.
For most of the game, it was more like a game between two masters on a chessboard, with every move cautious and calculating, but less passionate and more cautious temptation.
Although the French team dominated possession, the Belgian defense was well organized, and almost every French attack was neutralized one by one, as if the Belgian backline was made of solid rocks.
Just when people thought the game was going to end in a draw, going into extra time or a brutal penalty shoot-out, drama ensued.
In the 85th minute, Muani, a substitute of the French team, was unexpectedly rubbed by Belgian defender Vertonghen with a shot in the penalty area, and the ball changed its line strangely, deceived everyone, including the Belgian goalkeeper, and slowly rolled into the net.
This own goal, like a sudden meteor, pierced the dull night sky and determined the direction of the game.
This victory, although not hearty enough for the French team, is enough for them to continue their journey in the European Championship.
For Belgium, the defeat may have been a bit bitter, they didn't have no chances, but on the football stage, sometimes, a second of negligence is enough to change everything.
That's the beauty of football, no matter how luxurious your team is, no matter how well you plan your tactics, everything on the pitch is so unpredictable, every game is a new story, and every goal can be a turning point in history.
In the end, this highly-anticipated contest ended in an unexpected way, leaving fans with endless thoughts and discussions.
France's path to qualification was not as glamorous as expected, but a victory was a victory, and no matter what the process was, they were one step closer to the glory of the European Championships.
Belgium, their golden generation may be slowly aging, but this defeat will also be a valuable experience for them, inspiring them to cherish every touch and every shot in the future games, because on this green field, opportunities are always reserved for those who are ready.