France advances past Portugal to reach Euro 2024 Semifinals

Les Bleus grind out 1-0 victory in hard-fought quarterfinal match

Kylian Mbappe scores the game's lone goal in the second half

France advanced to the semifinals of the UEFA European Championship on Saturday with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Portugal. Kylian Mbappe scored the game's lone goal in the second half, as Les Bleus secured their place in the final four of the tournament.

The match was a tight affair throughout, with both teams creating chances but failing to find the back of the net. France had the better of the possession in the first half, but Portugal had the clearer chances. Cristiano Ronaldo came close to giving Portugal the lead on several occasions, but he was unable to beat Hugo Lloris in the French goal.

France came out with more purpose in the second half, and they were rewarded for their efforts when Mbappe scored the opening goal in the 60th minute. The Paris Saint-Germain forward latched onto a through ball from Antoine Griezmann and fired a low shot past Rui Patricio in the Portuguese goal.

Portugal pushed for an equalizer in the remaining minutes, but France held on to secure the victory. The win sees France reach the semifinals of the European Championship for the third time in the last four tournaments.