France edge past Portugal with penalty shoot-out win after stalemate

France progressed into the Euro 2024 semi-finals as defender Theo Hernandez scored the winning spot-kick in a penalty shoot-out against Portugal.

A goalless match always looked destined to be decided by penalties as the defences prevailed.

Portugal substitute Joao Felix was the only player to be denied during the shoot-out after rattling the post.

Portugal were confident going into the shoot-out after progressing into the quarter-finals after beating Slovenia on penalties following another goalless draw.

However, France were perfect from the penalty spot with Theo Hernandez, Bradley Barcola, Jules Kounde, Youssouf Fofana and Ousmane Dembele all netting to send them through.

Ruthless Spain await France in the semi-final after they beat host nation Germany in Friday’s other quarter-final.

It took over an hour for a notable opportunity when French goalkeeper Mike Maignan was twice forced into action to deny both Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha.

Substitute Ousmane Dembele added extra emphasis into the French attack and found Eduardo Camavinga in space, but he fired wide.

Felix could have sealed victory for Portugal in extra-time but fired into the side-netting and then rattled the woodwork from a decisive penalty kick.