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Patrick Kelechi, Lagos
DAILY COURIER - France edged out Belgium while Portugal beat Slovenia on penalties to reach the quarterfinals of the ongoing Euro 2024 Championship on Monday.
Jan Vertonghen deflected substitute Randal Kolo Muani’s shot in the 85th minute to settle a tense last-16 match in Dusseldorf.
Cristiano Ronaldo's tears turned into elation as Portugal beat Slovenia on penalties to reach the Euro 2024 quarter-finals despite the 37-year-old's missed spot-kick in extra-time.
A sobbing Ronaldo had to be consoled by team-mates after Jan Oblak brilliantly saved his penalty in extra-time but, following a gruelling goalless draw, he converted Portugal's first effort in the shootout as goalkeeper Diogo Costa made saves from Josip Ilicic, Jure Balkovec and Benjamin Verbic to send them through.
Two of the three goals France has scored at the Euros have been own goals.
Les Bleus will face Portugal in the quarterfinals, while Belgium rues its earliest exit from the Euros since getting knocked out in the group stage in 2000.
