Théo Hernandez hits the spot as France beat Portugal in shootout to progress
Two teams that simply could not score all night finally found their range in the shootout and, in the end, it was France who held their nerve. They had Théo Hernandez to thank for sending them through after João Félix, the only player to falter, struck a post with his penalty. In a strange affair of shots, chances but no finishing touch, Cristiano Ronaldo was left to regret squandering a glorious opening while Kylian Mbappé may wait anxiously on any consequences from what appeared a painful blow to his broken nose.
The question before kick-off had been whether these sides, both yet to flow freely despite their attacking riches, would elect to turn on the taps. Portugal had drawn blanks ever since brushing Turkey aside while France, two own goals and a penalty to their name, had eased this far without offering much of note at all.
