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Xtra Time Web Desk: In a thrilling Euro Cup 2024 Round of 16 match at the Merkur Spiel Arena, France narrowly edged out Belgium to secure a place in the quarter-finals. The match, filled with intensity and drama, saw both teams battling fiercely for dominance.

From the onset, it was evident that France was determined to control the game. However, Belgium's defense held firm, frustrating the French attackers. Despite the goalless efforts of Kylian Mbappe, who once again left fans disappointed, Les Bleus continued to press forward relentlessly.

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The first half saw a flurry of activity, with France's Aurelien Tchouaméni receiving a yellow card as early as the 14th minute. Just nine minutes later, Antoine Griezmann also found himself in the referee's book, and barely a minute after, Adrien Rabiot joined his teammates with another yellow card. This aggressive approach highlighted France's urgency but also their vulnerability.

Belgium, on the other hand, played with measured caution. Their defensive strategy worked well until the 85th minute, when the match's pivotal moment occurred. Randal Kolo Muani, a substitute for France, received the ball in the area, turned swiftly, and took a shot. The ball deflected off Belgium's veteran defender, Jan Vertonghen, changing direction and wrong-footing goalkeeper Koen Casteels. The deflection saw the ball nestle in the back of the net, resulting in an own goal and giving France a crucial 1-0 lead. This unfortunate event was a crushing blow for Belgium, but one that seemed inevitable given France's persistent pressure.

As the clock ticked down, tensions remained high. Vertonghen's frustration was evident as he received a yellow card in the 76th minute, and in the dying moments of the match, Orel Mangala also saw yellow in the third minute of stoppage time.

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The final whistle blew, confirming France's 1-0 victory over Belgium. While Les Bleus celebrated their hard-fought win and progression to the quarter-finals, the spotlight remained on Kylian Mbappe's inability to score. The star forward's goal drought in the tournament continued, much to the dismay of his supporters.

Despite Mbappe's struggles, France's overall team effort and determination shone through, setting the stage for their next challenge in the Euro Cup 2024. For Belgium, it was a heart-wrenching exit, marked by a moment of misfortune that underscored the unpredictable nature of football.