<\/p>\n
France beat Portugal in a penalty shootout to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2024 after a tense showdown in Hamburg.<\/p>\n
Theo Hernandez scored the winning penalty after substitute Joao Felix hit the outside of the post with his effort, the only miss.<\/p>\n
Players sprinted over to the other end of the pitch to celebrate with fans afterwards, while Portugal, who had overcome Slovenia via a shootout five days ago, were left feeling deflated while they applauded their supporters.<\/p>\n
It marks the end of an era for Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who confirmed this week it would be his final Euros.<\/p>\n
Before the match, all eyes had been on a showdown between 39-year-old Ronaldo and France\u2019s Kylian Mbappe but both failed to have an impact, though the Portugal striker did put away his spot-kick.<\/p>\n
Mbappe had to be substituted in extra time after an earlier whack to his face, covered with a mask due to a broken nose, so he was unable to take part in the shootout.<\/p>\n
It had been a cagey match with relatively few chances though Portugal had the best of them.<\/p>\n
Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha were both denied by goalkeeper Mike Maignan before France\u2019s Randal Kolo Muani had a shot deflected inches wide by Ruben Dias.<\/p>\n
Moments later, Eduardo Camavinga should have put France ahead when he dragged an effort beyond the far post from close range.<\/p>\n
But extra time was needed and when the moment came, Portugal\u2019s talisman Ronaldo stabbed a cutback from Francisco Conceicao way over the bar, to the astonishment of fans behind the goal and their luck ran out after a second shootout in consecutive games.<\/p>\n
It means France will now face Spain in the semi-finals in Munich on Tuesday (20:00 BST kick-off).<\/p>\n
Watch the video below<\/strong><\/p>\n