Three shots of aluminium, two goals disallowed, a late penalty: the game between France and Iceland offered a mighty spectacle. In the end, the Belgians were happy.
Belgium’s footballers have reached the quarterfinals of the European Championship for the first time. The team coached by Ives Serneels defeated Italy 1-0 (0-0) in the final group match in Manchester and will meet Sweden, who came second at the Olympics, in the first knockout round.
Curious game at Rotherham
Tinne De Caigny (49th) scored the goal for the Belgians, who benefited from the 1-1 (1-0) of the previously qualified French team in the parallel game against Iceland.
In a curious encounter, in which the ball went to the aluminum three times, two French goals were disallowed and 13 minutes played, Melvine Malard (1st) scored a lightning goal for the early lead of the co-favourites.
Brynjarsdottir’s late penalty goal
Dagny Brynjarsdottir equalized in Rotherham with a very late penalty kick (90+12) for the Icelanders, but the point wasn’t enough to progress. France will play defending champions Netherlands in the quarterfinals.