Goalkeeping sends France and Portugal into Euro quarterfinals

France goalkeeper Mike Maignan in action. picture alliance

Goalkeeping heroics send France and Portugal into Euro quarterfinals

By Hope Hisey | Last updated Jul 1, 2024 9:21 PM ET

France and Portugal won their UEFA European Championship Round of 16 games Monday thanks to clutch performances from their men between the sticks.

Tournament heavyweights France found it difficult against a promising Belgian side, scraping by with a 1-0 victory.

Belgium's own goal in the 85th minute was the only difference between the two sides, coming just two minutes after a crucial save by French and AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

DE BRUYNE DENIED BY MAIGNAN pic.twitter.com/6l3oXBCMXp
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 1, 2024

Maignan also dealt with a challenging, whipped service from a set play in the 24th minute, improvising to keep Belgium off the board.

OH MY

Maignan makes a late kick save to keep things 0-0 pic.twitter.com/f1ZuU89CkI
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 1, 2024

France has not yet scored from open play, putting a heavy burden on their defense to see them through games. Nonetheless, they find themselves three wins away from another major tournament trophy.

The defense and Maignan have answered the call thus far. The Frenchman is currently leading the Golden Glove race with three clean-sheets and just one goal against.

Portugal and Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa was also a busy man on Monday. His side and Slovenia played to a tough 0-0 draw and went to penalties, but not before a critical one-on-one save in extra time.

Another look at the game-saving save from Diogo Costa pic.twitter.com/a9VWR1H8Fp
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 1, 2024

Costa continued his heroism in the shootout, becoming the first goalkeeper in Euros history to save all three spot-kicks he faced.

Diogo Costa is the first man in European Championship history to play 120 minutes AND feature in a penalty shootout without conceding a single goal of any kind during the match.

We have just witnessed a superhuman feat. ‍♂️#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/8athtpH1nI
— Squawka (@Squawka) July 1, 2024

France and Portugal with face each other in the quarterfinals in the clash of lockdown defenses. The two sides have only let in four goals combined and proved yet again in the Round of 16 just how impenetrable they can be.

While fans will hope for a high-scoring affair when these two historical giants face off on Friday, Maignan and Costa will look to spoil the frenzy.

Hope Hisey

Hope Hisey is a professional soccer player. She holds a Master of Legal Studies from the University of Arizona, specializing in sports, media, and entertainment. Her passions include football, basketball, soccer, and golf.

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