Hosts France recovered from a slow start to ease to a 3-0 opening win over the United States at Paris 2024 on Wednesday.

There has been plenty of excitement around the home nation heading into the men's Olympic tournament, with coach Thierry Henry selecting a strong squad even with superstars like Kylian Mbappe absent.

Yet it took more than an hour for the match in Marseille to spark into life, and even then France were reliant on a moment of magic from captain Alexandre Lacazette.

The United States were the better side up until Lacazette's breakthrough goal, with Djordje Mihailovic thundering against the crossbar shortly before the veteran striker went up the other end and picked out the bottom-left corner.

A frantic spell followed in which France twice could have been pegged back, grateful first to Guillaume Restes for a superb save from Paxten Aaronson and then to the goal frame as John Tolkin headed against the post.

Instead, a second goal against the run of play settled the nerves in the stands as Bayern Munich new boy Michael Olise curled a fine finish around Patrick Schulte from outside the box.

And Loic Bade added further gloss with a header from a Joris Chotard corner five minutes from time, while Griffin Yow saw a late consolation goal struck off for offside.

Data Debrief: Belated home comfort for Les Bleus

On paper, the gulf between the two teams was evident in the scoreline, but for those home fans in Marseille who grew audibly agitated early in the second half, this was far from easy viewing.

Although France finished with three goals, they only created chances worth 0.43 expected goals (xG). The strikes by Lacazette and Olise were inspired individual efforts rather than the result of fine team play.

Winning gold as the hosts is not easy in this event – only four nations (Great Britain in 1908, Belgium in 1920, Spain in 1992 and Brazil in 2016) have done so previously in 27 attempts – but more will be expected of Henry's outfit going forward.

Kylian Mbappe told Real Madrid supporters: "I've dreamed of this day since I was a kid", as he was officially unveiled at Santiago Bernabeu.

The France captain completed his long-awaited blockbuster move to Los Blancos following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month.

Mbappe put pen to paper on a five-year deal with the reigning LaLiga and Champions League winners, for whom he will wear the number nine shirt.

Over 80,000 spectators were at the Bernabeu to see the 25-year-old's official presentation, which was delayed due to France's involvement at Euro 2024.

And Mbappe shared with them his delight at realising a lifelong ambition.

"I spent endless nights dreaming about one day playing for Real Madrid, and today I am one happy guy," he said. "My family are so happy here, I can see my mum crying.

"It's an incredible day for me. I've dreamed of this day since I was a kid, and this day means a lot to me."

Sporting Madrid's new home kit, Mbappe was introduced to the crowd by club president Florentino Perez.

"The love that you felt for Real Madrid, and you identifying with this club since your childhood, made it possible for you to be here and to overcome those obstacles on the way to your dream," Perez said.

Los Blancos' head coach Carlo Ancelotti extended the welcome to his new signing, writing on X: "Welcome to the best club in the world. Welcome home, Kylian."

Spain are Euro 2024 champions.

La Roja got the job done on Sunday in Berlin, with Mikel Oyarzabal's late effort seeing off England in a 2-1 victory.

But with the tournament now done and dusted, which teams and players really stood out and, conversely, which ones disappointed?

Here, with the help of Opta data, we take a look.

THE TOPS

Spain

An obvious one, but where else to start but with the champions? La Roja crashed out of the 2022 World Cup, losing to Morocco on penalties, but what Luis de la Fuente has done since replacing Luis Enrique is outstanding.

While Luis Enrique had a possession obsession. De la Fuente has added a direct aspect to that possession-based build-up. Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal (more on him to come) were fantastic, while Rodri and Fabian Ruiz dovetailed brilliantly in midfield.

Dani Olmo surely put himself into the shop window for Europe's elite with some superb individual displays, first from the bench and then as a starter. He shared the Golden Boot, scoring three goals.

In defence, Marc Cucurella was picked ahead of Bayer Leverkusen's excellent Alejandro Grimaldo, but more than repaid De la Fuente's faith with some tenacious performances, while he then teed up Oyazarbal's winner in the final.

Spain were simply the best team at this tournament, winning all seven of their matches without needing penalties.

Since the 2002 Champions League final, Spanish teams and the Spanish national team have played in 23 major finals (Champions League, UEFA Cup, Europa League, World Cup, European Championship) against non-Spanish teams and won the trophy on all 23 occasions.

La Roja are now the first team to win the Euros on four occasions, too. Vamos!

Lamine Yamal 

A special word for Williams, who became the second-youngest player to score in a Euros final, but Yamal was the star of the show.

Having turned 17 on Saturday, Yamal is now the youngest player to appear in a Euros or World Cup final, surpassing Pele's record from 1958.

The Barcelona winger curled in a sensational equaliser against France in the last four to become the youngest player to score at the Euros, while he also supplied four assists throughout the tournament.

He is the first Spain player to register four assists in a single European Championship. It is also the joint most any player has ever assisted at a Euros that Opta has on record (from 1980 onwards).

This kid is special.

Niclas Fullkrug

Julian Nagelsmann's free-flowing, attacking football caught the eye as the host nation impressed, and German football looks to have a bright future following a few years in the wilderness. But for all the flair of youngsters Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, and the neat and tidy build-up play, Germany were arguably more potent when they had a classic number nine on the pitch.

Fullkrug was that man, coming on from the bench to score twice, including a last-gasp equaliser against Switzerland in the group stage that ultimately landed Germany in the tougher half of the draw, while he also went agonisingly close to sending the tie against Spain to penalties.

Fresh from helping Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final, Fullkrug has now scored seven goals under Nagelsmann for Germany, more than any other player.

The main debate is probably whether he should be leading the line from the off, rather than having to settle for a super-sub role, given that of any player to score at least twice at the tournament, Fullkrug had the best minutes per goal ratio (80.5).

Giorgi Mamardashvili

Mamardashvili actually conceded more goals at Euro 2024 than any other goalkeeper (eight), but it is worth noting that four of those came in the last 16 against Spain.

And Georgia's shot-stopper deserves his place on this list of the standout performers.

After a fantastic season in LaLiga with Valencia, Mamardashvili finished as the goalkeeper with the most goals prevented (4.67) based on Opta's expected goals on target (xGoT) conceded model.

Mamardashvili made 30 saves in total, with a save percentage of 78.95%. Could he now be in for a big move ahead of next season?

Turkiye

It came three years later than many expected, but Turkiye - supposedly dark horses at Euro 2020 - finally impressed this time around.

Vincenzo Montella gave youth a chance in Germany, where Turkiye were buoyed by their fanatical support, giving six starts to teenagers – three for Kenan Yildiz and three for Arda Guler – a joint-record in a single edition of the finals, along with Spain at Euro 2020.

Guler was a standout performer. He became one of only three teenagers to both score and assist a goal at a single Euros, after Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo (both at Euro 2004).

The Real Madrid youngster provided his second assist as Turkiye came unstuck against the Dutch in the quarters; there had been just two occasions on record (since 1968) of a teenager providing multiple assists at a single tournament in each of the 14 previous editions combined (Enzo Scifo 1984, Ronaldo 2004).

Ultimately, the Netherlands had too much for Turkiye, but their last-16 defeat of Austria and Montella's front-foot approach saw them win admirers, and make up somewhat for losing all of their matches at Euro 2020.

THE FLOPS

France

Didier Deschamps is the most successful French coach in terms of wins - indeed, Les Bleus' victory over Austria on matchday one meant he brought up a century of victories.

But it is fair to say France, World Cup runners-up in 2022, did not impress in Germany. Indeed, it was not until the semi-finals that one of their players even managed to score a goal from open play, with their strikes before then having come via two own goals and a Kylian Mbappe penalty.

Mbappe did break his Euros duck with that successfully converted spot-kick against Poland, but the broken nose he suffered in the opening game seemed to knock France's focus, and they never got back on track.

And their 2-1 loss to Spain in that thrilling semi-final showed that a team cannot just bundle its way through a tournament without playing well; eventually, it will catch up with you.

The pre-tournament favourites could point to some bad fortune, as they did record the fourth-highest non-penalty xG figure of any team at Euro 2024 (8.38), but Deschamps' team looked short of ideas at times, with Antoine Griezmann also struggling to wield his usual influence.

Italy

The holders were hardly well fancied ahead of Euro 2024, but it really was a forgettable attempt at defending their title from Italy. The Azzurri fell behind to the earliest goal in Euros history, after just 23 seconds, in their opening match against Albania, and while they came back to win that match, it was the only triumph they managed.

Indeed, Italy were heading out until Mattia Zaccagni curled home in the 97th minute against Croatia, sealing a point that sent them through, but they had been comfortably beaten by Spain and subsequently capitulated without much of a fight against Switzerland in the last 16.

Luciano Spalletti only took over in September 2023 after Roberto Mancini's sudden departure, but there's plenty of work for the former Napoli boss to do.

Cristiano Ronaldo

The Euros' record goalscorer could not add to his tally, not that it was down to a lack of trying. Indeed, Ronaldo had 23 shots without scoring at Euro 2024, with only another Portuguese great, Deco, having more attempts without registering at least one goal in a single edition of the Euros (24 at Euro 2004).

This was surely Ronaldo's final Euros. He has played at six of them, becoming the only player to do so, but it is time to bow out.

Portugal flattered to deceive the whole way through, one emphatic win over Turkiye aside, and never got back on track after losing 2-0 to Georgia at the end of the group stage. Roberto Martinez's team staggered past Slovenia on penalties, before ultimately losing by the same method to France.

Now, it should be time for Ronaldo, who was the biggest expected goals underperformer at the tournament, failing to score from 3.6 xG, to pass the baton over to the next generation. But will he want one more shot at the World Cup?

Harry Kane

Unlike Ronaldo, Kane did score. Indeed, the England captain ended up sharing the Golden Boot, as one of six players with three goals to his name.

However, that does not wholly tell the story of what was a frustrating tournament for the 30-year-old.

Kane was taken off 60 minutes into the final, having also gone off in the semi-final and quarter-final when England were level.

Across his seven appearances, he had just 27 touches in the opposition box (3.8 per game). Indeed, a startling statistic for England fans is that, across the last two Euros finals, Kane had just one touch in the opponents' area.

Scotland

Going up against the hosts in the opening game was never going to be easy, but that 5-1 hammering in Munich set the tone for a dismal tournament for Scotland.

Steve Clarke's team had peaked in qualifying, and though an admirable performance in a 1-1 draw with Switzerland gave them some hope, they came unstuck at the death against Hungary.

They exited the competition having had just 17 shots, nine fewer than any other team, and mustering an xG of just 0.95, the lowest figure in the competition.

Romelu Lukaku

It was another tournament to forget for Belgium, and one has to wonder why Domenico Tedesco's team were so lacklustre against Ukraine in their final group game, when a win could have ensured they would fall into the easier half of the draw (albeit they would have faced the Netherlands, rather than France, in the last 16).

But matters might have been different had Lukaku had his shooting boots on, too.

It is quite extraordinary that Lukaku did not manage to find the net. VAR was the bane of his existence in Belgium's shock loss to Slovakia.

Based on his xG (1.7), Lukaku should have netted at least once, probably twice, but instead, he headed home without a goal to his name.

Real Madrid have confirmed Kylian Mbappe will wear their famous number nine jersey as they revealed the date for his official unveiling.

Mbappe, who is joining Los Blancos as a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, will be unveiled as a Madrid player at an event at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, July 16.

The 25-year-old is fresh from exiting Euro 2024, with France having lost 2-1 to Spain in the semi-finals.

Mbappe failed to score from open play through the tournament, after suffering a broken nose during France's opening match, though he did break his Euros duck by converting a penalty in their final group game against Poland.

Madrid also revealed Mbappe will take the number nine shirt previously worn by Karim Benzema.

There were also new shirt numbers for Edouardo Camavinga, who has taken the number six, while Federico Valverde has taken the number eight, vacated by the retired Toni Kroos.

Aurelien Tchouameni has switched to 14, with Arda Guler, who has starred at the Euros with Turkiye, taking 15.

Guler's stunning goal against Georgia early in the tournament made him the youngest player to score on his debut at a European Championship finals (19 years and 114 days), surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo's previous record of 19 years and 128 days set at Euro 2004.

Kylian Mbappe has admitted both he and France failed at Euro 2024 after Les Bleus' campaign was brought crashing to a halt in the semi-finals by Spain.

France had struggled to live up to their tag as pre-tournament favourites in Germany but still ground their way through to the last four, only to come unstuck in Munich.

Randal Kolo Muani gave them an early lead with Les Bleus' first non-penalty goal (excluding own goals) of the tournament, but Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo netted – the former becoming the youngest goalscorer in World Cup or Euros history – in a quickfire turnaround.

France were unable to force an equaliser in the second half as they lost a major tournament semi-final for the first time since Euro 1996, with Mbappe wasting one good opportunity late on.

Mbappe ended the tournament with no non-penalty goals from 23 such shots. Since records began in 1980, only Deco in 2004 (24) has ever had more non-penalty shots without netting at a single edition of the European Championships.

Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone after the defeat, Mbappe said: "They played a better game than us. We conceded two goals quickly and in the second half we had chances to come back but we didn't take them.

"The competition was a failure. I wanted us to be European champions and we're not. That's football."

Having suffered a broken nose during France's Group D opener against Austria last month, Mbappe was asked whether his condition had impacted his form. 

The forward – who will link up with his new Real Madrid team-mates in the coming weeks – refused to blame the injury for his lack of goals, saying: "We have to move on. 

"It's been a long year, I'm going to go on vacation to rest, it's going to do me a lot of good. We mustn't complicate football too much.

"You're good or you're not good. I wasn't good and we're going home, it's simple. I have to rest. After that, I'm leaving for a new life."

Mbappe played the semi-final without the protective mask he wore for France's last three games, which Didier Deschamps previously said was impacting his vision.

Asked about the decision to abandon the mask, Mbappe said: "We made the choice before the match.

"I was fed up with the mask. I asked the doctor if I could play without it, and he told me to do what I want."

It is often said that international tournaments are not about playing the prettiest football, but the most effective, about finding a way to get over the line.

When France – a team that had only scored via a penalty and two own goals as they somehow ground their way through Euro 2024 – took an eighth-minute lead in Tuesday's first semi-final versus Spain, it looked like those old adages might stand.

La Roja, and their wonderkid Lamine Yamal, had other ideas.

The 16-year-old Barcelona winger curled home a magnificent 25-yard strike to become the youngest ever scorer at a World Cup or Euros, before Dani Olmo's fine touch and finish completed the turnaround by the 25th minute.

Spain had to show another side to their game in the second half as they dug in to hold off an improved Bleus side, but they were ultimately deserved winners.

Most who have watched them in Germany would agree they are deserving finalists, and they will surely approach Sunday's Berlin showpiece – against either the Netherlands or England – as favourites. 

Many of Euro 2024's top sides have failed to deliver on the entertainment front, but Spain have done things a different way, led by a teenage sensation in Yamal.

Yamal's historic moment

What were you doing at 16 years old? On second thought, don't answer that.

You certainly were not scoring at a major tournament, because nobody – not even Brazil icon Pele – had netted at a World Cup or European Championships at that age, until now.

Pele had to wait until he reached the grand old age of 17 years and 239 days before making his mark on the big stage, scoring against Wales at the 1958 World Cup.

The fact Pele is considered to this day to have enjoyed the ultimate breakout tournament gives a sense of how monumental Yamal's moment of magic was.

Particularly if La Roja go on to lift the trophy, it will become a byword for a prodigy bursting onto the scene.

The goal was certainly befitting of the history it made. Almost like a mirror image of Kylian Mbappe in an inside-right position, Yamal twisted once, twice… three times to shake off the attentions of Adrien Rabiot, before bending a wonderful strike beyond the reach of Mike Maignan. 

His goal was not a bolt from the blue, either. He was involved in the build-up to Olmo's winner, a clever reverse pass leading to the cross that was eventually half-cleared to the La Roja matchwinner. 

Only Mbappe (four) bettered Yamal's three shots throughout the game, and he was not too far away from a near-identical second goal when he cut inside to rifle over the crossbar in the second half.

He was also the only Spain player to create two chances, while he refused to be cowed by some rough treatment, his six duels won only being matched by Alvaro Morata among Luis de la Fuente's players.

Only team-mate Olmo (three goals, two assists) has now bettered his four goal involvements at this tournament (one goal, three assists), while he ranks joint-first for chances created (16, with Christian Eriksen) and joint-sixth for dribbles completed (13).

Yamal has enjoyed one of the greatest breakout campaigns in memory, and must surely be among the contenders for player of the tournament honours.

He already has the moment of the tournament sewn up.

'Tika-Taka' evolves

Ahead of Tuesday's game, Spain enforcer Rodri discussed the way in which La Roja had "matured" in their approach at this tournament, no longer prioritising possession for possession's sake, but becoming more comfortable in controlling games without the ball.

Spain even had less than 50% of the possession in impressive wins over Croatia and Germany, and though that figure was back up to 58.1% versus France, they showed their adaptability in the second half.

La Roja only recorded one shot – Yamal's long-range strike over the crossbar – after the interval, with France generating six efforts worth 0.57 expected goals (xG).

Yet in the first half, Spain led for shots (five to three), shots on target (two to one) and xG (0.73 to 0.43). Those may not be resounding figures, but they backed up their reputation as the tournament's outstanding team, with Yamal and Olmo producing two pieces of incredible technical quality when it mattered most. 

Spain lead all teams at the tournament for goals (13), xG (11.05), shots (106) and shots on target (38), yet they are no longer blindly committed to 'Tika-Taka', becoming almost as comfortable without the ball as with it.

Mbappe's tournament Bleus

When Mbappe delivered the assist for Randal Kolo Muani's opener – his 11th goal involvement in 12 major tournament knockout games for France – it looked like things may finally have clicked for the Real Madrid man.

His protective mask removed and playing against a 38-year-old Jesus Navas, who was on a booking within 14 minutes, Mbappe looked set to have a decisive say.

However, he did not see a clear sight of goal until the 86th minute, when he blazed comfortably over the crossbar with Spain's defence in a panic.

His Euros ended with just one goal – a group-stage penalty against Poland – from 24 shots worth 2.95 xG, edging out the profligate Cristiano Ronaldo (23) for the most shots taken at the tournament. 

Unsurprisingly, Mbappe's shot conversion rate of 4.17% is the lowest of any player to have scored at this edition of the European Championships.

France may reflect on the broken nose he suffered against Austria in their Group D opener as the main reason for their attacking troubles, but they also suffered from a general lack of imagination in the forward areas.

Excluding own goals, Kolo Muani's opener was their first non-penalty goal at the tournament, from their 87th non-penalty shot.

While France improved in the second half, Spain saw the victory out in relative comfort as their positive approach to the first half was rewarded. 

It was a case of he who dares wins, and the Netherlands and England – both of whom have flattered to deceive thus far – might wish to take note. 

Luis de la Fuente has no doubt over Kylian Mbappe's threat in Spain's Euro 2024 semi-final on Tuesday, suggesting the France forward at "50% is 100% for anyone else".

Mbappe has scored just one goal from 20 shots at the tournament in Germany, a penalty against Poland in Les Bleus' final group game.

The Real Madrid-bound has been hampered by a mask, required after his broken nose against Austria in the opening game, but continues to struggle at the European Championship.

Mbappe has scored just once from 34 attempts in the Euros overall, a contrast to his record at the World Cup, where the former Paris Saint-Germain star has 12 goals from 39 shots.

Yet the Spain boss insists La Roja will not write off the Les Bleus captain, despite his recent underwhelming form.

"He is unpredictable, he never disappears," De la Fuente said at Monday's pre-match press conference. "His level at 50% is 100% for anyone else.

"He can beat someone in two moves. He is a genius and a superstar.

"We are going to try to minimise his influence, we have the tools to do it regardless of who is on the pitch. I have blind faith in my team to get to the final."

Mbappe may be a marked man for the Spanish, yet De la Fuente's team are in scintillating form as the only team to triumph in all five matches at Euro 2024 so far.

No team has ever won six matches at a single Euros tournament, however, nor managed six straight wins in the competition.

Yet De la Fuente has absolute confidence in Spain reaching their fifth European Championship final, with only Germany – who La Roja downed 2-1 in extra time in the quarter-finals – managing more with six.

"For me, my team is the best, but we have a great rival in front of us who is just as good," he added. 

"I will think that my team is the best team even if they knock us out. I analyse the team's potential and they have exceptional potential.

"Everyone gets bored or has fun with what they want, football never bores me. We are recovering well, but it is only a few days, it is the same problem for everyone.

"We will see how we are tomorrow, motivation makes you overcome any adversity."

A France player is yet to score from open play at the tournament, with Les Bleus' game seeing two penalties scored and two own goals.

De la Fuente still refused to ignore the quality of Didier Deschamps' men, adding: "Physically, France are one of the strongest, we know the players and we know how to fight them."

Didier Deschamps is unperturbed by criticism of France's style of play at Euro 2024, telling the team's critics not to bother watching Les Bleus if they are bored.

France are preparing for their fourth semi-final in six tournaments under Deschamps, with Spain standing between them and a place in Sunday's final in Berlin.

Despite Les Bleus finding themselves in contention at the business end of yet another tournament, they have been fiercely criticised after failing to hit top form in attack.

Four goals have been scored in their five matches at the tournament (three for, one against), with all of them either being own goals (two) or penalties (two).

France are the only team on record at a European Championship (since 1980) to have 50 or more non-penalty shots and fail to score any of them (86), with Kylian Mbappe's spot-kick versus Poland in the group stage the only goal scored by a Bleus player thus far.

Ahead of Tuesday's meeting with a Spain team regarded as the most enterprising at the tournament, Deschamps was asked by a Swedish reporter what he made of the criticism France have faced.

"If you're bored, watch something else! You don't have to watch us," Deschamps replied. 

"It's a special Euros, where it has been very difficult for everyone. The number of goals is much lower than it has been in the past. 

"We have the ability to share emotions, to make the French people happy with the results we have been able to achieve, in a complicated period in France. 

"If the Swedes are bored, it doesn't matter too much to me."

Euro 2024 has seen an average of 2.25 goals per game ahead of the semi-finals (108 in 48 matches), the sixth-lowest figure in history after the 1968 (1.4), 1980 (1.93), 1996 (2.06), 2016 (2.18) and 1992 (2.13) editions.

France's struggles in attack can be at least partly attributed to Mbappe's disrupted tournament. He missed Les Bleus' second group game after suffering a broken nose in their opener and has struggled for form since returning to the team.

At Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 combined, he has scored just one goal from 34 attempts with a 3% conversion rate. At the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, he netted 12 times from 39 shots (31%).

Deschamps feels Mbappe is getting stronger as the tournament progresses, though.

"We did everything we could to make sure he recovered, I'm convinced that he's been at his best level possible since the start," he said of the Real Madrid forward. 

"It's not just related to the last game, everything he had before, with the end of the season, a back problem, the trauma he had. The tournament could have ended for him. 

"He has a new situation, wearing a mask leads to having modified vision. It was a big shock, we had to digest it. He will do everything to be at the maximum."

Kylian Mbappe may not be firing on all cylinders but Didier Deschamps says the France captain is aiming for "even more history" at Euro 2024.

The Real Madrid-bound forward has scored just once at the tournament in Germany from 20 attempts, a penalty against Poland in Les Bleus' final group game.

Mbappe has managed just one goal overall from 34 shots at the European Championships, a contrast to his record at the World Cup, where he has scored 12 goals from 39 efforts.

Yet in this edition of UEFA's top international tournament, the former Paris Saint-Germain star has been hampered by a broken nose that has forced him to wear a protective mask when playing.

The 25-year-old has repeatedly cited his frustrations at wearing the protective equipment, which some have suggested explains a downturn in form.

Deschamps fired back at his critics, however, lauding the France international ahead of Tuesday's semi-final meeting with Spain in Munich.

"Don't you think he has already made enough history, with what he has done so far? He wants to make even more history," the France boss said, in an interview quoted by Telefoot.

"We did everything we could with him, with the medical staff, to get him to be here. During the preparation, he had a little back problem, too, but Kylian is here.

"Even if he's not 100%, I know very well that for the opponent, knowing he's playing makes them think and forces them to adapt."

Mbappe's form perhaps explains why there have only been four goals scored in France's five Euro 2024 matches (three for, one against), with those either penalties (two) or own goals (two).

Indeed, none of the 128 non-penalty shots have found the back of the net in those games (86 for France, 42 for opponents).

France are also the only team on record since 1980 to have more than 50 non-penalty shots at a Euros tournament without scoring with any of those attempts.

Deschamps and Mbappe will be desperate to end that drab run when Les Bleus face an in-form Spain side, battling for a place in the final against either the Netherlands or England.

Kylian Mbappe is unbothered by his indifferent form at Euro 2024 so far, saying the most important thing is for France to keep winning as they booked a place in the semi-finals.

France and Portugal played out a 0-0 draw in 120 minutes in Hamburg, with Les Bleus staying perfect from the spot in the shootout and progressing thanks to Joao Felix’s missed penalty.

Mbappe is the only Frenchman to score at the tournament so far, netting from the spot, with France’s two wins coming via own goals. However, he does not care how the wins come as long as they keep progressing.

"These are the peculiarities of being a footballer," Mbappe said.

"But even then, you have to keep up your involvement and always be there for your team-mates.

"I've always said that no matter what happens, the most important thing is that we win. I've only scored one goal, but we are in the semi-finals, and I'm very happy."

Mbappe had been hit in the side of the head by the ball in the second half and struggled to get back into the game after it as he shied away from any more aerial challenges.

That meant the France captain was not one of the five players to step up in the shootout, having been substituted in the extra time break due to ongoing problems with his broken nose.

"We had already discussed with the coach at the end of regulation time," Mbappe added.

"We decided I would try longer, but at half-time in extra time, I told him that I wasn't feeling it anymore, that I was too tired. He told me 'okay'."

France will face Spain in the first of the Euro 2024 semi-finals on Tuesday in Munich. 

France coach Didier Deschamps said it would have been "pointless" to leave a fatigued Kylian Mbappe on for the final 15 minutes of extra time against Portugal.

Mbappe was taken off at the interval in the added 30 minutes in Hamburg on Friday, with the score level at 0-0.

It remained that way 15 minutes later, though Portugal squandered two golden chances, with Joao Felix and Nuno Mendes failing to convert.

France ultimately got the job done in the end, though, triumphing 5-3 on penalties, with Joao Felix missing the decisive spot-kick.

Mbappe had a game-leading five shots, though they accumulated just 0.17 expected goals (xG), but Deschamps believes it would have been foolish to leave the 25-year-old on any longer.

Deschamps said: "He's tired, obviously. Muscularly, it's not easy with everything he's had.

"I saw him struggling during the first period of extra time. It was pointless.

"Kylian has always been honest with me and the group, so it was only natural to bring in some new blood."

Despite not scoring from open play so far at Euro 2024, France have now reached the semi-finals in four of the last five major tournaments. They will face Spain in Munich on Tuesday.

"It was a very tense, tight game," Deschamps said.

"It could have gone either way, even if we had a more difficult end to the game in extra time. Maybe we were a bit more tired. It comes down to details.

"I'm very happy for the squad, who played to the limit. We're going to enjoy being in the last four.

"It's becoming a habit but we mustn't trivialise it. It's to the credit of the whole group, those who play and those who can't."

Deschamps was left frustrated that he was not allowed to introduce Olivier Giroud, France's record scorer, for the shootout, though.

He added: "I couldn't bring Olivier on. The referee didn't take our request into account. I had this last change to make, and Olivier was a candidate to take the kick.

"There was a kind of tranquillity, [however], even if it was in front of the Portugal end."

Cristiano Ronaldo's Euro 2024 hopes were dashed as Portugal lost 5-3 to France in a penalty shootout following Friday's 0-0 draw in Hamburg.

With the substituted Kylian Mbappe watching on from the sidelines, Les Bleus set up a semi-final with Spain as they converted all five of their spot-kicks.

The decisive miss came from Portugal's Joao Felix, who struck the woodwork with his attempt.

And there was to be no heroics from Diogo Costa on this occasion, as Theo Hernandez coolly dispatched the winning penalty.

The pre-game expectation of a tight, cagey contest proved correct, as for just the second time on record at the Euros (since 1980), neither team managed a shot from inside the box in the first half – the other match was also France v Portugal, back in 1984.

Hernandez stung Costa's palms with a venomous strike, while Bruno Fernandes became the first Portugal player other than Ronaldo to attempt a direct free-kick shot at a major tournament since the Euro 2016 final with an effort that soared over close to half-time.

A great chance for Fernandes on the hour, which was kept out well by Mike Maignan, sparked the encounter into life.

Maignan was forced into action again moments later, using his chest to repel Vitinha's shot before beating away Ronaldo's follow-up.

Portugal were then indebted to Ruben Dias, whose last-ditch block diverted Randal Kolo Muani's attempt wide, before Eduardo Camavinga skewed off-target and Ousmane Dembele went close with a dipping long-range effort.

Extra time, though, was required, with Portugal having the better chances in the added 30 minutes, during which Didier Deschamps took off Mbappe.

Ronaldo should have broken the deadlock, only to blaze over with the goal begging, while Felix headed into the side netting and Nuno Mendes fired at Maignan, as penalties beckoned.

Portugal's captain firmly put away his spot-kick, but Felix was the unlucky party as his effort bounced away off the left-hand upright, paving the way for Hernandez to clinch victory.

Time to make way

There were no tears for Ronaldo this time around. Instead, just a rueful smile while France's players wheeled away in celebration.

The 39-year-old has claimed this will be his final Euros, and he bows out having had 23 shots without scoring once at Euro 2024 (not counting his two successful shootout penalties, of course).

Ronaldo hugged his old friend and team-mate Pepe, who at the age of 41, delivered another fine performance at the back, and was the one in tears this time out. They have been two unbelievable servants, but for both of them, the defeat will surely call time on their international careers.

Pepe almost certainly will do, but whether Ronaldo wants one more go at a World Cup, remains to be seen. The question for Portugal, though, is whether they are better off without him.

Winning ugly

England have come in for much criticism at Euro 2024, but when it comes to winning ugly, Deschamps is a true master.

Excluding penalties and own goals, France are yet to score in their five games. No side has ever gone longer without such a goal in the tournament's history, with Les Bleus attempting 86 non-penalty shots (7.25 non-pen xG) without scoring from one at this year's finals.

Yet somehow, Les Bleus are on the brink of yet another final under Deschamps. France have now reached at least the semi-finals in four of the last five major tournaments.

They will take on Spain in Munich on Tuesday.

Roberto Martinez insists Portugal's Euro 2024 quarter-final clash with France will not merely come down to Cristiano Ronaldo's duel with Kylian Mbappe.

Portugal and France face off in Hamburg on Friday, with a last-four meeting with either Germany or Spain the prize for the victor.

Many have billed the match as a head-to-head battle between Mbappe and his idol Ronaldo, with both superstars desperate to hit top form after underwhelming starts to the tournament.

Ronaldo is yet to score from 20 shots worth 2.75 expected goals (xG), the former being a tournament-high tally, and he was in tears at half-time in extra time after seeing a penalty saved in Portugal's last-16 tie versus Slovenia.

Mbappe, meanwhile, suffered a broken nose in France's Group D opener against Austria, returning to score from the penalty spot in their matchday-three victory over Poland but failing to prevent them from finishing as runners-up.

France are yet to score a goal from open play at this tournament, with two own goals coming alongside Mbappe's spot-kick.

Martinez has played down suggestions Friday's match will be all about stopping Mbappe, saying: "Suffering is part of life, it's part of football, part of everything. 

"We can promise that we will give everything, the players are focused on playing, and football is a team sport. Tomorrow is not a two-player game. 

"They have incredible influence, Cristiano had an influence on Mbappe and Mbappe on others, but tomorrow is a game where the team needs to perform great."

Ronaldo was criticised by many for attempting four shots from direct free-kicks without success against Slovenia. 

He has now attempted 60 direct free-kicks in European Championship or World Cup matches, only scoring with one of them, versus Spain at the 2018 World Cup.

Asked whether Ronaldo could be stripped of set-piece duties, Martinez said: "That passes me by. 

"The players practice in training and Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes have that responsibility. We are fortunate to have two players with a very good profile to do it."

Portugal will hope to draw on the memories of their Euro 2016 final victory over Les Bleus, when Eder scored an extra-time winner after Ronaldo was taken off injured.

Asked how Portugal's class of 2024 matches up to the 2016 champions, Martinez said: "I don't like to compare generations. 

"This generation has a different path. We are a better generation, but in 2016 we had a victory in the final."

Kylian Mbappe is determined to write his own script when he has the "honour" of facing Cristiano Ronaldo in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.

France will take on Portugal for a place in the last four on Friday, having overcome Belgium 1-0 in the last 16 via a late Jan Vertonghen own goal.

Portugal, meanwhile, beat Slovenia on penalties after Ronaldo missed a plethora of chances in a goalless draw, seeing an extra-time spot-kick saved by Jan Oblak.

Ronaldo has had more shots (20) than any other player at Euro 2024, accumulating a total expected goals (xG) figure of 2.75 but failing to score.

At each of his previous 10 major international tournaments (World Cup or European Championships), he got off the mark before the end of the group stage.

The battle between Mbappe and Ronaldo is sure to turn heads on Friday, with the former also enduring a frustrating tournament, suffering a broken nose in Les Bleus' first group match and only scoring from the penalty spot against Poland on matchday three.

Many have touted Mbappe as something of a successor to Ronaldo since he sealed his move to Real Madrid, but the France skipper is determined to be his own player.

"It's an honour, everyone knows the admiration I have for him," Mbappe said of Ronaldo at Thursday's pre-match press conference.

"We are always in touch. He will remain a legend of the game but we hope to beat him tomorrow.

"Do I envy him? You have to know how to appreciate what he is and what he has been. He is a unique player, his CV speaks for itself. We have respect for him.

"He's unique! There is only one like him. I just want to follow my passage. I hope that I will write a big page at Real but it will be different to his."

France lost to Portugal on home soil in the Euro 2016 final, with Eder netting an extra-time winner as Ronaldo gave instructions from the sidelines after going off injured.

Didier Deschamps refused to be drawn on whether the Selecao have regressed since then, saying: "They were strong. That was eight years ago but it was painful. 

"I don't know if they are stronger or weaker, but we're in the quarter-finals. All the best teams are there. They are one of the best teams in Europe. It will be a great game."

France are yet to score a goal from open play at this tournament, only netting via an Mbappe penalty and two own goals, leading to criticism from the media at home.

Les Bleus' total of 67 shots has only been bettered by Spain (82), Portugal (73) and Germany (72), but they have underperformed their xG figures by a greater margin (-3.94, three goals from 6.94 xG) than any other side at the tournament.

Asked about that criticism, Deschamps said: "That is a popular craze now. There are people who may not be happy but I have seen other people happy. 

"It would be more exciting to win 5-4, for sure. The critics are there to do their job, they have always been part of my daily life. It doesn't stop me from living."

Nuno Mendes insists he is prepared to face Kylian Mbappe ahead of Portugal's quarter-final meeting with France at Euro 2024. 

Mbappe, who officially joined Real Madrid at the start of the month, played alongside Mendes at Paris Saint-Germain for two seasons. 

The France captain has scored once for Les Bleus at the tournament, a penalty against Poland in their final Group D fixture and is yet to sparkle so far. 

However, Mendes knows all too well the threat Mbappe carries, and is relishing the opportunity of facing him at the Volksparkstadion on Friday. 

"I don't think he will be playing on my flank, but if it happens I'm prepared," he said. "I train every day for these moments and we are prepared to face them.

"They have high-level players, but we also have great players. We need to do everything we can to cancel France's strengths and play our game."

All eyes look set to fall on Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo, as they look to spearhead their sides to the semi-finals of the competition. 

Ronaldo saw his penalty saved in extra-time of Portugal's last-16 tie against Slovenia and is yet to score at Euro 2024, despite registering 20 shots at the tournament. 

Mendes has had the luxury of sharing a dressing room with both Mbappe and Ronaldo, acknowledging the threat both possess ahead of their meeting in Hamburg. 

"They are high-level, excellent players who can make a difference at any moment," Mendes said.

"I shared a dressing room with both of them and it was a pleasure to play with Mbappé and play with Cristiano.

"They are incredible, from one moment to the next they make a difference."