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France, Belgium, Portugal hold on to secure spots in Euro 2024 despite late scares.

France, Belgium, and Portugal all had a close call in securing a spot in Euro 2024, but managed to hold on for narrow victories on Friday night. These wins cemented their position as the first teams to qualify for the tournament next year.

Administrator

10 November, 2023

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Belgium was leading by three goals in Vienna and managed to win 3-2 with 10 players, securing a top-two finish in Group F and a ticket to the finals in Germany.

In Amsterdam, France was leading by two goals from Kylian Mbappe and defeated the weakened Dutch team 2-1.

Cristiano Ronaldo also scored twice for Portugal, but they also struggled with a two-goal lead before defeating Slovakia 3-2 in Porto in Group J.

In Amsterdam, Mbappe jumped to hook his volley home after seven minutes and then added a second goal eight minutes into the second half with a beautiful curler.

It was his 42nd international goal, surpassing French legend Michel Platini and moving him into fourth place on the all-time list.

Quilindschy Hartman replied on his debut for the Dutch team, but Mbappe almost completed his hat-trick when his late drive hit the crossbar.

“We mustn’t get carried away, but we must appreciate and not trivialize things,” said France coach Didier Deschamps.

“To qualify with two games to go, with six wins, 13 goals scored, and just one conceded, I’m very proud of what the group has achieved, both in terms of spirit and on the pitch.”

“We got the result we wanted, we achieved our objective.”

Greece won 2-0 in Dublin, eliminating Ireland and pulling clear of the Dutch.

Giorgos Giakoumakis and Giorgos Masouras scored in the first half for the 2004 European champions, who moved three points ahead of the Dutch.

The two nations will meet on Monday in Athens.

Cristiano Ronaldo salutes the Porto crowd as he scores a double and Portugal qualify for Euro 2024. Photo: AFP

– Ronaldo double –

Belgium, unbeaten, survived an Austria fightback in Vienna.

Dodi Lukebakio, with his first two international goals, and captain Romelu Lukaku, with his ninth goal of the campaign, put Belgium 3-0 up after 58 minutes.

Konrad Laimer replied with a long-range drive. With Belgium reduced to 10 players when Amadou Onana received a second yellow card, Arthur Theate handled the ball in his own box with six minutes left.

Marcel Sabitzer converted the penalty to make it an anxious last few minutes for the Belgians.

But they held on to secure a third straight trip to the Euros. The Red Devils’ last Euro qualifying loss was a 1-0 defeat in Wales in June 2015.

Austria remains seven points ahead of idle Sweden, who have a game in hand.

Cristiano Ronaldo reached 125 international goals as Portugal won all seven matches in Group J.

They now have 21 points, ensuring a top two finish.

Goncalo Ramos opened the scoring for Portugal. Ronaldo then scored a penalty.

David Hancko’s deflected strike gave Slovakia hope – the first goal Portugal had conceded in qualifying – but Ronaldo soon tapped in a cross from Bruno Fernandes. Stanislav Lobotka’s long-range strike made for a nervous finale, but Portugal held on.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is having a great time, playing a lot of minutes, and scoring a lot of goals for his club,” said Portugal coach Roberto Martinez.

“He has a lot of experience with the national team, and he’s a reference point for young players.”

Slovakia remained in second place in the group, but the pursuers closed in.

Third-place Luxembourg drew 1-1 in Iceland, closing to within two points of Slovakia, who will visit Luxembourg on Monday.

Bosnia and Herzegovina are a further two points behind after beating Liechtenstein 2-0 with first-half goals from Amar Rahmanovic and Miroslav Stevanovic.