Darren Moore secured his first win as Huddersfield boss with his side running out 2-1 victors over struggling QPR.
Quick-fire goals from Kian Harratt and Jack Rudoni in the first half did the damage at the John Smith’s Stadium.
Jake Clarke-Salter’s first goal for the club proved to be a mere consolation as the visitors slumped to a painful fourth defeat on the spin.
And the pressure is mounting on boss Gareth Ainsworth, with the club languishing in the Championship relegation zone, four points from safety.
QPR are in the midst of a sorry seven-game winless run after their defeat.
They had the majority of the ball as Town went into their shell after going two goals to the good but they failed to make it count as the resolute Terriers battled to a welcome three points.
Victory ended a five-game winless run – which included just one defeat – as Moore finally earned that elusive first win.
After replacing Neil Warnock in mid-September, Moore was pleased the international break came when it did to give him time with his new squad and he reaped those rewards as they moved to 18th, six points clear of the Hoops.
The Terriers made a fast start as their frightening six-minute burst fired them two goals ahead inside the first 15 minutes.
Moore’s charges made the perfect start as Harratt bagged his first league goal since April in the eighth minute.
It was a super break from the on-song hosts which was finished off as Rudoni squared the ball for unmarked Harratt to slot home beyond hapless Asmir Begovic.
And it was two within the blink of the eye as QPR were left dumbfounded again. It was another brilliant one-touch team move as influential Sorba Thomas freed up Rudoni for a fine first-time finish, his third goal of the campaign.
Incensed Ainsworth geed up his shell-shocked charges and they started to find their feet.
Republic of Ireland international Sinclair Armstrong went closest for the visitors as his effort was well blocked by Huddersfield.
And Ainsworth’s side pulled some momentum back on the stroke of half-time as Clarke-Salter dragged them back into the game with a 43rd-minute effort.
After the break, Delano Burgzorg was booked for simulation when he went down inside the Hoops’ box.
Down the other end, Michal Helik produced an heroic clearance to deny Ilias Chair a certain goal on the line and Town soaked up the pressure as they held on for a vital three points.
Yuta Nakayama could have sealed it, but Begovic kept out his late free-kick and QPR could not find the key to unlock the door to salvage a dramatic late point.
The Numbers Game: Martinez faces Ronaldo decision against France
Portugal and France confirmed their places in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, but both the pre-tournament favourites were far from convincing in doing so.
Roberto Martinez had Diogo Costa to thank for his penalty heroics against Slovenia as the Porto goalkeeper spared Cristiano Ronaldo's blushes in Frankfurt.
Ronaldo saw his spot-kick saved by Jan Oblak in extra time, reducing the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to tears at the interval before stepping up to score in the shootout.
Earlier that day, France were aided by the knee of Jan Vertonghen as they squeezed past Belgium in Dusseldorf, with their struggles in front of goal continuing.
This will be the first meeting between the two sides since Euro 2020, in which three of the four goals were scored from the penalty spot in a 2-2 draw at the Puskas Arena. It is also, of course, a repeat of the Euro 2016 final, which Portugal won 1-0 in Paris.
Many predict another enthralling encounter against two European powerhouses, but based on current form, we might be better not expecting a classic.
Here, we use Opta data to preview Friday's clash.
What's expected?
France are predicted to emerge victorious in Hamburg, with the Opta supercomputer handing them a 40.1% chance of winning at the Volksparkstadion.
Portugal triumphed in 30.2% of the data-led simulations, with a draw forecast at 29.8%, meaning extra time and penalties are a real possibility.
This will be the fifth meeting between Portugal and France at the European Championships, with the Selecao unbeaten in the last two.
France won the first two meetings, going on to lift the trophy both times (3-2 in 1984, 2-1 in 2000), and Les Bleus know a win could send them on their way to silverware once again.
But while both sides boast an array of attacking talent, they have misfired in Germany, and every little advantage will likely be crucial in a tight contest.
Portugal have now failed to score in their last two matches. They have never failed to score in three consecutive games at a single major tournament before.
Les Bleus have had a similar problem. Their three goals at Euro 2024 so far have come from two own goals and a penalty from Kylian Mbappe.
Not since a run of five internationals between March and September 2013 have France seen their players fail to score from open play in as many matches.
However, their defence remained resolute in their time of need. France have an expected goals against (xGA) tally of just 2.63 at Euro 2024 – the lowest of any side in the quarter-final, and second lowest at the tournament overall after already-eliminated Serbia (2.57).
Didier Deschamps' team have an impressive record over Friday's opponents, having lost only one of their last 14 games against Portugal (W11 D2), although that lone defeat came in the final of Euro 2016.
But Martinez's side will fancy their chances of claiming a second European Championship crown should they triumph here.
The previous four teams to eliminate Les Bleus at the quarter-final stage of a major tournament have gone on to win the trophy (Italy in the 1938 World Cup, Greece at Euro 2004, Spain at Euro 2012 and Germany at the 2014 World Cup).
Stick or twist with Ronaldo?
It's a question that has emerged not for the first time at Euro 2024, but Martinez will face his toughest decision yet on Portugal's talisman ahead of the fixture against France.
Ronaldo endured an evening to forget against Slovenia, but assumed responsibility for the Selecao's first spot-kick in the penalty shootout, and was sure not to make the same mistake twice.
During that game in Frankfurt, Ronaldo had the most shots (eight), shots on target (four), and touches in the opposition box (seven), of any player. A clinical edge is lacking.
Indeed, Portugal's captain has mustered 20 shots at Euro 2024, the most of any player, but is yet to find the back of the net.
Ronaldo has also attempted 34 direct free-kick shots for Portugal at the Euros, over twice as many as any other player on record (since 1980 – Zinedine Zidane 15), yet he is still to score one.
While it may be difficult to drop a player who is the all-time leading goalscorer in international football, Martinez could see this as an opportunity to freshen up his forward line.
Having recorded an xG total of 1.97 against Slovenia, failing to take those opportunities against a superior opposition will surely have devastating consequences.
Slim pickings for Deschamps
Deschamps tried to reignite Les Bleus' attacking spark with a three-man strike force against Belgium, but the pickings were slim.
A trio of Mbappe, Marcus Thuram and Antoine Griezmann were preferred, with Randal Kolo Muani introduced late on, but it proved to be another blunt display.
France had 19 shots against the Belgians, but just two were on target, and ultimately it was a touch of fortune that saw them through.
Between Mbappe (five), Thuram (four) and Griezmann (two), they managed just one shot on target, despite having 18 touches between them in Belgium's box.
Defence, ironically, given the attacking talent at their disposal, has been France’s strong point. However, their array of attacking options will have to step up sooner rather than later.
France have kept a clean sheet in three of their four games, the most of any side at the tournament, yet they are not being helped by the players in front of them.
Deschamps, however, has the opportunity to freshen up his forward line. The France coach faces a decision similar to Martinez, as to which of his players he can trust on the biggest of stages.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Portugal - Joao Paulinha
With Portugal's misfiring front line at the centre of attention against Slovenia, it overshadowed the impressive display of Joao Paulinha at the heart of midfield.
Paulinha, who is reportedly set to join Bayern Munich, made nine tackles in this game. The last player to make more in a European Championship match was Anatoliy Tymoshchuk for Ukraine v France in 2012 (12).
The 28-year-old's ability to break up play proved extremely effective against Slovenia, winning the most duels (17), most aerial duels (10), and winning possession more than any other Portugal player on the pitch (10).
France - William Saliba
William Saliba has carried his impressive form with Arsenal into his second major international tournament, and his defensive presence will be important given France's struggles in attack.
The defender has completed 96.6% of his passes so far at Euro 2024 (256/265), the best passing accuracy recorded (min. 100 passes) by a France player at a major tournament (since 1966 for the World Cup, and 1980 for the Euros).
The Numbers Game: Martinez faces Ronaldo decision against Les Bleus
Portugal and France confirmed their places in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, but both the pre-tournament favourites were far from convincing in doing so.
Roberto Martinez had Diogo Costa to thank for his penalty heroics against Slovenia as the Porto goalkeeper spared Cristiano Ronaldo's blushes in Frankfurt.
Ronaldo saw his spot-kick saved by Jan Oblak in extra time, reducing the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to tears at the interval before stepping up to score in the shootout.
Earlier that day, France were aided by the knee of Jan Vertonghen as they squeezed past Belgium in Dusseldorf, with their struggles in front of goal continuing.
This will be the first meeting between the two sides since Euro 2020, in which three of the four goals were scored from the penalty spot in a 2-2 draw at the Puskas Arena. It is also, of course, a repeat of the Euro 2016 final, which Portugal won 1-0 in Paris.
Many predict another enthralling encounter against two European powerhouses, but based on current form, we might be better not expecting a classic.
Here, we use Opta data to preview Friday's clash.
What's expected?
France are predicted to emerge victorious in Hamburg, with the Opta supercomputer handing them a 40.1% chance of winning at the Volksparkstadion.
Portugal triumphed in 30.2% of the data-led simulations, with a draw forecast at 29.8%, meaning extra time and penalties are a real possibility.
This will be the fifth meeting between Portugal and France at the European Championships, with the Selecao unbeaten in the last two.
France won the first two meetings, going on to lift the trophy both times (3-2 in 1984, 2-1 in 2000), and Les Bleus know a win could send them on their way to silverware once again.
But while both sides boast an array of attacking talent, they have misfired in Germany, and every little advantage will likely be crucial in a tight contest.
Portugal have now failed to score in their last two matches. They have never failed to score in three consecutive games at a single major tournament before.
Les Bleus have had a similar problem. Their three goals at Euro 2024 so far have come from two own goals and a penalty from Kylian Mbappe.
Not since a run of five internationals between March and September 2013 have France seen their players fail to score from open play in as many matches.
However, their defence remained resolute in their time of need. France have an expected goals against (xGA) tally of just 2.63 at Euro 2024 – the lowest of any side in the quarter-final, and second lowest at the tournament overall after already-eliminated Serbia (2.57).
Didier Deschamps' team have an impressive record over Friday's opponents, having lost only one of their last 14 games against Portugal (W11 D2), although that lone defeat came in the final of Euro 2016.
But Martinez's side will fancy their chances of claiming a second European Championship crown should they triumph here.
The previous four teams to eliminate Les Bleus at the quarter-final stage of a major tournament have gone on to win the trophy (Italy in the 1938 World Cup, Greece at Euro 2004, Spain at Euro 2012 and Germany at the 2014 World Cup).
Stick or twist with Ronaldo?
It's a question that has emerged not for the first time at Euro 2024, but Martinez will face his toughest decision yet on Portugal's talisman ahead of the fixture against France.
Ronaldo endured an evening to forget against Slovenia, but assumed responsibility for the Selecao's first spot-kick in the penalty shootout, and was sure not to make the same mistake twice.
During that game in Frankfurt, Ronaldo had the most shots (eight), shots on target (four), and touches in the opposition box (seven), of any player. A clinical edge is lacking.
Indeed, Portugal's captain has mustered 20 shots at Euro 2024, the most of any player, but is yet to find the back of the net.
Ronaldo has also attempted 34 direct free-kick shots for Portugal at the Euros, over twice as many as any other player on record (since 1980 – Zinedine Zidane 15), yet he is still to score one.
While it may be difficult to drop a player who is the all-time leading goalscorer in international football, Martinez could see this as an opportunity to freshen up his forward line.
Having recorded an xG total of 1.97 against Slovenia, failing to take those opportunities against a superior opposition will surely have devastating consequences.
Slim pickings for Deschamps
Deschamps tried to reignite Les Bleus' attacking spark with a three-man strike force against Belgium, but the pickings were slim.
A trio of Mbappe, Marcus Thuram and Antoine Griezmann were preferred, with Randal Kolo Muani introduced late on, but it proved to be another blunt display.
France had 19 shots against the Belgians, but just two were on target, and ultimately it was a touch of fortune that saw them through.
Between Mbappe (five), Thuram (four) and Griezmann (two), they managed just one shot on target, despite having 18 touches between them in Belgium's box.
Defence, ironically, given the attacking talent at their disposal, has been France’s strong point. However, their array of attacking options will have to step up sooner rather than later.
France have kept a clean sheet in three of their four games, the most of any side at the tournament, yet they are not being helped by the players in front of them.
Deschamps, however, has the opportunity to freshen up his forward line. The France coach faces a decision similar to Martinez, as to which of his players he can trust on the biggest of stages.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Portugal - Joao Paulinha
With Portugal's misfiring front line at the centre of attention against Slovenia, it overshadowed the impressive display of Joao Paulinha at the heart of midfield.
Paulinha, who is reportedly set to join Bayern Munich, made nine tackles in this game. The last player to make more in a European Championship match was Anatoliy Tymoshchuk for Ukraine v France in 2012 (12).
The 28-year-old's ability to break up play proved extremely effective against Slovenia, winning the most duels (17), most aerial duels (10), and winning possession more than any other Portugal player on the pitch (10).
France - William Saliba
William Saliba has carried his impressive form with Arsenal into his second major international tournament, and his defensive presence will be important given France's struggles in attack.
The defender has completed 96.6% of his passes so far at Euro 2024 (256/265), the best passing accuracy recorded (min. 100 passes) by a France player at a major tournament (since 1966 for the World Cup, and 1980 for the Euros).
'Heartbroken' Leeds United confirm Gray sale to Tottenham
Archie Gray has joined Tottenham from a "heartbroken" Leeds United in a deal reportedly worth up to £40million.
Gray, the great nephew of Leeds great Eddie Gray, enjoyed a breakthrough season at Elland Road last season.
The 18-year-old made 47 appearances in the Championship for Daniel Farke's team in 2023-24, as Leeds lost to Southampton in the play-off final.
And the Whites have confirmed that a clause in the youngster's contract, which became active when Leeds failed to return to the Premier League, opened the door for teams to swoop.
Gray seemed destined to move to Brentford over the weekend, undertaking a medical with the Bees, until Leeds rejected the payment structure of a £35m offer.
That enabled Spurs to come in and sign the midfielder.
Leeds posted on X that they were "heartbroken to see one of our own depart".
In a separate transaction, however, Joe Rodon has moved from Spurs to Leeds.
The Wales defender spent last season on loan at Elland Road.
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