France coach Didier Deschamps celebrated a historic victory as his team triumphed over Portugal in a dramatic penalty shoot-out in the Euro 2024 quarter-final. This win marked the end of a 26-year wait for France, who had not won a penalty shoot-out since the 1998 World Cup.
The match, held in Hamburg, ended in a goalless draw after extra time, leading to a nerve-wracking shoot-out that saw France emerge victorious with a 5-3 scoreline. For Deschamps, the relief and joy were palpable.
“It’s been a long time,” Deschamps remarked, reflecting on the significance of the win. The victory was not only a testament to France’s resilience but also a moment of personal triumph for Deschamps, who had experienced the highs and lows of penalty shoot-outs both as a player and as a coach.
The tension was evident throughout the match as both teams had their chances to clinch a win during regular play. “It was a very hard game. We knew how good a team Portugal were, and both sides could have won,” Deschamps noted, highlighting the competitive spirit of the encounter.
This victory was particularly sweet for France, who have had a tumultuous history with penalty shoot-outs in recent years. They lost the 2022 World Cup final on penalties to Argentina and were eliminated from the last European Championship three years ago in a shoot-out against Switzerland in the last 16. Additionally, they were beaten by Italy on penalties in the 2006 World Cup final. The memories of these painful losses made the win against Portugal all the more significant.
Deschamps, who was a key player in France’s 1998 World Cup squad, vividly recalled the last time France had won a penalty shoot-out. “This was France’s first win in a shoot-out since they defeated the Italians in the quarter-finals of the 1998 World Cup,” he said, reminiscing about the days when he was on the field rather than the touchline.
The French players showcased remarkable composure during the shoot-out. Ousmane Dembele, Youssouf Fofana, Jules Kounde, and Bradley Barcola all converted their penalties with precision. It was Theo Hernandez who delivered the decisive kick, sealing France’s place in the semi-finals.
Deschamps expressed immense pride in his players. “I am proud of my players, even if we are not doing everything perfectly we don’t give up, and once again we are in the semi-finals,” he stated. His words encapsulated the spirit and determination of the French squad, who have shown remarkable resilience throughout the tournament.
One player who has been under the spotlight is Kylian Mbappe. Despite facing criticism for his performances, Deschamps defended his star player, emphasizing Mbappe’s contributions to the team. “Kylian may not have scored tonight, but his presence and efforts were crucial for us. He is a key part of our team, and we stand by him,” Deschamps asserted.
As France prepares for their semi-final clash, the victory against Portugal serves as a significant morale boost. It is a testament to their perseverance and a reminder of their potential to achieve greatness. With Deschamps at the helm, France continues to chase glory, driven by the memories of past triumphs and the desire to create new ones.
