France Ends Penalty Shootout Curse with Victory over Portugal
For the first time since the 1998 World Cup, the French national team triumphed in a penalty shootout, defeating Portugal (0-0, 5-3) in the Euro quarter-finals on Friday. This victory marks the end of a painful series of defeats for France, including losses in the World Cup final against Italy in 2006 and Argentina in 2022, as well as a setback against Switzerland at Euro 2021. The quality of French shooters, such as Jules Koundé, played a crucial role in this victory.
Koundé's Unlikely Heroics
Jules Koundé, who had not taken a penalty in an official competition for seven years, emerged as a key player in the shootout. 'I hadn't taken a penalty since the U19s,' explained the Barça right-back after the match. Despite his lack of recent experience, Koundé confidently asked the coach for the opportunity to shoot and successfully converted his attempt. 'It's a move I often practice in Barcelona in training,' he added.
Koundé's last penalty before this match was on May 21, 2017, in the semi-final of the French U19 Championship. His ease in the exercise had not gone unnoticed by his teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni, who praised Koundé's penalty skills in a video for UEFA before the match against Portugal. 'You're not bad in training (on penalties)! You have to give him credit for that,' said the Real Madrid midfielder.
New Faces Shine in High-Pressure Moments
Bradley Barcola, 21, and Jules Koundé, 25, both experienced their first professional penalty shootout in this high-stakes match against Portugal. Despite their inexperience, both players executed their penalties flawlessly, helping France secure their place in the Euro semi-finals against Spain. This success not only highlights the depth of talent in the French squad but also the mental fortitude of its players in critical moments.
