France will play Spain for a place in the European Championship final after Theo Hernandez struck the winning penalty in a shootout win against Portugal. Joao Felix was the only player to miss from the spot after the Hamburg quarter-final finished goalless after minutes.
Both sides struggled in front of goal in a forgettable match that saw their biggest stars fail to deliver. Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo blazed over from close range in extra-time while France skipper Kylian Mbappe looked uncomfortable after suffering another blow to the face and was withdrawn before the decisive shootout.
He then makes up for it by claiming the corner delivery and setting Portugal on their way with a counter. One of the skills of the tournament from Rafael Leao. Wonderful backheel from Leao puts Mendes away. He clips in an inviting cross for someone to head home on the runβ¦. The move finishes with the ball being cleared and Ronaldo with both arms directed at Mendes, outstretched in annoyance.
Portugal must have sensed they needed a touch of the ball. Against Slovenia, right-back Cancelo went high and narrow to pin the full-back and open switches to Bernardo. Portugal are a far wispier team than France β and Palhinha is their bite in the middle, with Vitinha far more offensively minded. Liking Griezmann back in his purer No 10 role β Bruno Fernandes has already fouled him.
A similar split-strikers system to what Luis Enrique used with Mbappe and Barcola earlier this season in the Champions League. Confident start by France. By my admittedly rusty reckoning, every player except Mbappe touched the ball in their opening possession. The teams are yot.
