Joao Cancelo, Matheus Nunes, Bernardo Silva, and Ruben Dias are returning home after France defeated Portugal on penalties.

The match finished 0-0 and went into a shoot-out, which saw the French win 5-3 because the two teams were unable to separate throughout regulation or extra time.

Consequently, what happened?

With both defences playing well and little to no clear-cut chances being created by either side, the first half was largely uneventful.Without receiving anything in return, Bernardo worked tirelessly, Ruben Dias maintained a close check on Kylian Mbappe, and Joao Cancelo once again proved his defensive and offensive prowess.

As they have done throughout the competition, France found it difficult to maintain control of the game, and the Portuguese posed little genuine threat up front.

In fact, neither team had their best opportunity to score until more than an hour had gone.

Bruno Fernandes was let free in the area by Cancelo’s lovely pass with the outside of his boot, but the Manchester United player clutched at the opportunity and the keeper was not troubled.

Shortly after, it appeared as though Randal Kolo Muani would score, but Dias’s incredible last-ditch tackle caused the ball to go just inches past the post.

Unexpectedly, Cancelo’s evening came to an end at minute 74 when manager Roberto Martinez took him off the pitch as regular time was about to expire.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe, two national heroes, failed to inspire their countries.

And so to thirty minutes of extra time. It was more of the same, with both defences making an impact and being ready to risk injuries, but none more so than Portugal’s outstanding Pepe and Dias.

Bernardo dived deeper and deeper in an attempt to ignite assaults, but he was unable to find any pockets of space near the France box.

After 105 minutes of play, it appeared that both teams were happy to go to a penalty shootout.

In the final minute, Matheus Nunes was brought on, but he had little chance to make an impact because there wasn’t much time left for chance.

With just a few seconds remaining, Bernardo set up Nuno Mendes for an uncommon counterattack, but Mike Maignan easily stopped his shot.

There was a shoot-out to end the game.

Although Bernardo tucked his attempt away, Joao Felix’s error proved to be the difference as France won 5-3 thanks to all of their free kicks.

Les Bleus will now take on Rodrigo’s Spain in Munich next Tuesday with a place in the EURO 2024 final at stake.