France 1-0 Belgium: The king in the defensive tug-of-war
In the early morning of July 2, Beijing time, the round of 16 of the knockout round of 16 of the European Championship continued, and a high-profile matchup between France and Belgium was launched. Both title-contenders had a mediocre performance in the group stage, finishing second in the group. Therefore, this matchup in the round of 16 is seen as the most suspenseful matchup. However, the pre-match battle was not played out as planned, and was replaced by a thrilling defensive tug-of-war.
At the start of the game, both sides showed great defensive intensity, and the fierce scramble in the midfield made for few attacking opportunities. Relying on their solid backline and excellent defensive ability, the French team successfully limited the attacking firepower of the Belgian team. Belgium, on the other hand, tried to break through the French defence with quick counter-attacks, but again failed to achieve significant results. Throughout the first half, the two sides went back and forth, but they never rewrote the score.
In the second half, both sides continued to maintain a high level of defensive focus. While France have strengthened their defence, they have also tried to create a threat through wide breaks and set-pieces. Belgium, on the other hand, continued to play with a quick counter-attack strategy and tried to capitalise on their mistakes. However, at critical moments, the goalkeepers of both sides showed excellent performances, defusing dangerous situations on many occasions and trying to keep the goal open.
The game went into extra time, and both sides reached their physical limits, but still did not give up their attacking efforts. Just as the game was about to end in a draw, the French team suddenly came out of nowhere, and with a delicate combination, finally broke the deadlock on the field. The goal not only gave France the lead, but also boosted their morale.
In the end, after 90 minutes of regular time and 30 minutes of extra time, the French team defeated Belgium 1-0 and successfully advanced to the quarterfinals of the European Championship. The victory not only showcased the strength of the French team on the defensive end, but also showed their never-say-die spirit in the face of adversity.
Netizens also commented on the game:
Some netizens ridiculed: "This is a battle against the attack, it is clearly a contest between 'shield' and 'spear'!" ”
Another netizen lamented: "The defense of the French team is really airtight, and the Belgian team has too few opportunities." ”
Some netizens jokingly said: "It seems that in this game, whoever breaks the defense first will lose!" ”
This defensive battle between France and Belgium has undoubtedly added more highlights and topics to the European Cup. Next, we look forward to more exciting matchups in the remaining top 8 spots.
The French team is in a desperate situation, and the Belgian golden generation has come to an end
In this high-profile European football matchup, the French team and the Belgian team have a fierce battle. Despite making a whopping 19 attempts at goal, France had just two on target, while Belgium were even more sparse in attack, with just five shots on goal, all of which were saved by French goalkeeper Maignan. The turning point of the game came in the 85th minute, when substitute Muani turned and shot hard in the box with his individual ability, the ball hit the veteran Vertonghen and refracted into the net, and the French team successfully advanced with this lucky goal to beat Belgium 1-0.
This victory is undoubtedly a hearty counterattack for the French team. Not only did they lead the way in the number of shots on goal, but they also showed tenacity when it mattered most. Belgium, on the other hand, have sadly stopped there, as the long-time world-leading team has once again continued its winless streak since 1930.
Some netizens jokingly said: "The French team has saved all their luck to the end!" Indeed, the French team's stunner at a crucial moment makes people have to sigh at the favor of luck. But more netizens believed: "Luck is also part of strength, and the French team deserves this victory!" ”
This defeat was undoubtedly a heavy blow for the Belgian team. The golden generation of players such as Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are all over 30 years old, and it is becoming more and more difficult for them to continue to break through and break the title drought in the next major tournaments. Some netizens sighed: "The end of Belgium's golden generation is embarrassing. Their time may have passed, but their glory will live on in the annals of history! ”
Another netizen joked: "It seems that the Belgian team needs to train newcomers quickly, otherwise the next time they meet the French team, they will not be so lucky!" ”
This match is not only a contest of skill and will, but also a witness to the replacement of the old and the new. France's young players stepped up at crucial moments to give the team hope of victory. Belgium, on the other hand, will need to think hard about how to face the curtain call of the golden generation and how to unleash more potential in the new generation of players. Although the game is over, the reflection and discussion it has sparked continues.
Portugal's penalty shootout was in danger, and Ronaldo bloomed in regret
The match between Portugal and Slovenia is undoubtedly the most thrilling contest so far in this European Cup. Facing the strong Slovenia, the Portuguese team besieged the whole field, but it was always difficult to knock on the opponent's door. The 0-0 draw dragged the game into a tense penalty shootout.
Some netizens jokingly said: "Portugal is treating Slovenia as an impregnable wall!" It is true that the Portuguese team is attacking like a tide, but Slovenia's goalkeeper Oblak is like a god of war, keeping Portugal's shots out of the goal again and again. Cristiano Ronaldo's shot in regulation time was almost the closest Portugal team came to victory, but unfortunately, the ball grazed the post and went wide, leaving countless fans sighing.
Another netizen sighed: "Ronaldo is really desperate this time, but unfortunately he is unlucky!" Indeed, Cristiano Ronaldo's performance in this game was impeccable, not only did he threaten many times, but he also stepped up at crucial moments, only for fate to pass the superstar away from scoring again.
Going into the penalty shootout, the Portuguese team seemed to have changed teams. They were calm and calm, and every shot seemed so decisive and powerful. Slovenia, on the other hand, were under tremendous pressure and their penalties were a bit weak. In the end, the Portuguese team won 3-0 in the penalty shootout and advanced with difficulty.
Some netizens joked: "It seems that the penalty training of the Portuguese team is not in vain, and it came in handy at the critical moment!" It's a bit of a joke, but it's also a reflection of Portugal's penalty-taking skills.
Throughout the game, the Portuguese team won hard, but also showed their tenacity and tenacity. Cristiano Ronaldo's regret may become a fond memory of his career, while Portugal's path to qualification remains challenging and uncertain. We look forward to seeing them perform even better in the upcoming games and bring more joy and excitement to the fans."
With the referee's whistle, the match between Portugal and Slovenia came to an end. The penalty shoot-out victory allowed Portugal to remain in the European Championship competition, while Ronaldo and his team-mates will continue to work hard for their championship dreams.
Ronaldo missed a point, Portugal counterattacked, and France continued its legend in the round of 8
Ronaldo stood on the penalty spot, his eyes were firm but he couldn't hide the nervousness in his heart. He took a deep breath and slammed into the ball for a powerful shot, however, this time Lady Luck wasn't on his side. Oblak was like an impassable wall, denying Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty. Ronaldo was stunned, followed by unwilling tears. At that moment, he knew that he might have buried Portugal's qualification with his own hands.
Some netizens joked: "Ronaldo wanted to score a 'hat trick', but he turned out to be a 'butter hand'!" Another netizen retorted: "Don't say that, Ronaldo has done his best, and the pressure of the penalty shootout is not something that everyone can bear." ”
Just when everyone thought Portugal was going to stop there, goalkeeper Diogo Costa stepped up. He seems to be the legendary Italian goalkeeper Toldo, showing amazing reflexes and saving skills. Three heroic saves in a row denied Slovenia all the first three rounds of penalties. Every save makes people's blood boil, as if they have seen the brightest light on the football field.
At the same time, Cristiano Ronaldo, B Fei and B Xi also showed their determination and strength. They have scored penalties in three consecutive rounds, and each goal is like a declaration to the world: Portugal will not give up! In the end, Portugal eliminated Slovenia with a score of 3:0 and successfully advanced to the last 8.
Some netizens commented excitedly: "This is the spirit of Portugal!" Even in the face of adversity, we must move forward bravely and never give up! Another netizen sighed: "Although Ronaldo missed the penalty, he did not give up, but inspired his teammates with his actions." This is the real leader! ”
Portugal and France are about to play the last 8, and this is undoubtedly a high-profile blockbuster matchup. With both teams boasting illustrious histories and strong rosters, this match is destined to be full of passion and suspense. Can Cristiano Ronaldo lead Portugal to another miracle? Let's wait and see!
In this game, which is full of twists and turns, we see the charm of football. Regardless of the result, the fighting spirit and team spirit shown by the players is something to learn from and respect. Let's look forward to more exciting and intense competitions in the future!