France into Euro 2024 quarterfinals after beating Belgium by own goal

Another frustrating game for Kylian Mbappe. Another underwhelming performance by France at Euro 2024.

Didier Deschamps wasn't concerned – his team reached the quarterfinals.

"It's beautiful," the France coach said after "Les Bleus" relied on the ninth own-goal scored at the tournament to squeeze past Belgium 1-0 in the Round of 16 on Monday.

A heavyweight game between neighbors and teams ranked No. 2, France, and No. 3, Belgium, failed to live up to its billing, and the nature of the only goal proved to be fitting.

Randal Kolo Muani, on as a second-half substitute, turned in the area and sent in a shot in the 85th minute that deflected off Belgium defender Jan Vertonghen and looped over stranded goalkeeper Koen Casteels.

"I was lucky enough to get my shot on target," Kolo Muani said of his decisive intervention. "It was blocked but it went in. We're very, very happy and very, very proud."

UEFA thought differently about the destination of Kolo Muani's shot and put it down as an own-goal, the second earned by France while there has also been a penalty by Mbappe. It meant a France player has yet to score from open play.

"Even if today that goal was enough to get us to the quarterfinals, we have the capability to score more," Deschamps said.

France will play Portugal in the last eight on Friday.

Mbappe, again wearing a mask to protect his broken nose sustained against Austria in France's opening game, had five of France's 20 shots but none were on target. He played mostly on the left wing and was well-marshalled by a Belgian defensive set-up that included Kevin De Bruyne – the team's most creative player – deployed as a deep-lying midfielder.

De Bruyne had more clearing headers than incisive passes before being pushed further forward for the final half-hour of the game. Back in his favored position, he created Belgium's best chance when he played through Yannick Carrasco, who took too long over a shot that was blocked by France left back Theo Hernandez.