France beat Portugal on penalties to set Euro semis date with Spain

FRANCE downed Portugal on penalties in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals following a goalless draw on Friday (5) to set up a last-four meeting with Spain.

A largely dull 120 minutes saw both sides struggle to create clear chances in Hamburg, before Joao Felix was the only player to miss in the shoot-out and Theo Hernandez netted the winning spot-kick.

Cristiano Ronaldo made no mistake with his penalty, but this is the first time the 39-year-old has failed to score a goal at a major tournament.

Read: Dramatic loss against Spain puts hosts Germany out of Euro

After a turgid first half, France goalkeeper Mike Maignan was forced into good saves to deny both Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha.

Eduardo Camavinga shot wide with France's best opportunity of the match.

Read: Austria coach rues team’s Euro exit after 1-2 loss vs Turkey

Kylian Mbappe was withdrawn at half-time in extra time, still appearing to struggle with the mask he has been wearing since suffering a broken nose in France's opening game against Austria.

Spain beat Germany in Friday's first quarter-final as Mikel Merino's 119th-minute header snatched a dramatic 2-1 win.

(AFP)