Match 41 - France 1-0 Belgium
This was probably the most keenly anticipated matches of this round, and it did not disappoint.

Two teams that were nearly equivalent cancelled each other out in an engaging manner. While France pushed the hardest from the opening of the match, Belgium resisted as much and pressed their own opportunities to the maximum.

Where both teams lacked was the final ball. That it was yet another own goal which sent France through is not surprising. Without the deflection which wrong footed Casteels this was heading to extra time and probably penalties.

France go to the quarter-finals having scored 3 goals in the competition. Omne a penalty, the other two being own goals. They'll need to do better.

Match 42 - Portugal 0-0 Slovenia

Rarely can a 0-0 scoreline have covered so much drama. Portugal bossed this match, dominated it, but were incapable of penetrating the Slovenian defence, were unable to best Oblak's goalkeeping wall.

When, late on in the second half, Portugal were awarded a penalty for a robustly clumsy challenge it was no surprise to see Ronaldo step up and face the challenge. Maybe it was something in the air, but it just never felt like he would score. While his several free kick chances had sailed harmlessly over the bar the penalty was on target, but so was Oblak. Leaping to his left he palmed the ball away. Ronaldo was distraught.

A few moments later, in one of the breakaways Slovenia had specialised in, Sesko was through on goal but Costa spread himself wide and blocked what should have been the winning goal.

As the teams huddled before extra time Ronaldo could be seen overwraught with emotion, tears clear on his face. Yet, when extra time finished goal-less, he stepped up again to take a penalty. This time it went in. So did Bruno Fernandes' strike, and Bernardo Silvas. Meanwhile and amazing disply by Diogo Costa saw him save three consecutive penalties.

Slovenia have acquitted themselves admirably. Portugal will hope to make better use of their chances.

Tomorrow's final Round of Sixteen matches are:
Romania v Netherlands
Austria v Türkiye

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Fantasy Football: Build a squad, score points, top the league! Join Here

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Please come and play, and tell the HIVIANS who you think may be interested.

text by stuartcturnbull art by UEFA & altered by stuartcturnbull