Substitute Randal Kolo Muani’s deflected effort gave France a 1-0 win over neighbours Belgium in their Round of 16 clash in Dusseldorf. The result saw Les Bleus progress to the last eight of the competition, where they will meet Portugal, who edged past Slovenia on penalties.
Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco sprung a bit of a surprise with his starting lineup, with Lois Openda and Yannick Carrasco starting and no place for the likes of Leandro Trossard and Dodi Lukebakio.
The Red Devils had just one shot in the first half and were content to sit back. France enjoyed more possession and shots but rarely tested Koen Casteels in the Belgian goal.
Marcus Thuram was disappointing upfront, and it was his replacement- Kolo Muani, who came up with the decisive moment for Les Bleus. The striker’s 85th minute effort took a deflection off Jan Vertonghen and the hapless Casteels was caught wrong-footed.
Arsenal defender William Saliba was excellent for France, as were right back Jules Kounde and midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.
Adrien Rabiot picked up a yellow against the Belgians and is therefore suspended for France’s last-eight clash in Hamburg. Deschamps is expected to pick either Eduardo Camavinga or Youssouf Fofana to take his place against Portugal.
