Duesseldorf, July 1 (Reporter) In a gripping Euro 2024 showdown at the Merkur Spiel-Arena here on Moday, substitute Randal Kolo Muani etched his name into the annals of French football with a late, deflected strike that propelled Les Bleus past Belgium and into the quarterfinals. With just five minutes remaining on the clock, Kolo Muani's decisive goal shattered Belgian hopes and secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory for the two-time European champions. The win sets up a tantalising clash in Hamburg on Friday, where France will await the winner of the Portugal vs Slovenia encounter as they strive towards a historic third European Championship title. From the outset, the match was a spectacle of tactical prowess and individual brilliance. France, propelled by the midfield maestro N'Golo Kante and the electric Kylian Mbappe, dominated possession and carved out numerous scoring opportunities. Tchouameni and Marcus Thuram posed constant threats to the Belgian defense, testing goalkeeper Koen Casteels with their sharp shooting. Belgium, however, showcased resilience and moments of danger throughout the game. Stars like Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne kept French goalkeeper Mike Maignan on high alert, forcing him to make critical saves to keep Les Bleus' hopes alive. As the clock ticked towards extra time, Kolo Muani, who had entered the fray just moments earlier, seized a pass from Kante and unleashed a thunderous strike. The shot took a decisive deflection off Jan Vertonghen, leaving Casteels stranded and sending the French bench into delirium. In contrast, Belgian hearts sank as their Euro 2024 journey came to an abrupt end. The victory not only secures France's progression but also reaffirms their standing as one of the tournament favorites, adding another chapter to their storied Euro history. For Belgium, it marks a bitter conclusion to a campaign brimming with promise and potential. With the quarterfinals beckoning, France will draw immense confidence from their hard-earned triumph as they prepare for the next challenge in their Euro 2024 odyssey. The stage is now set for more drama and excitement, promising fans an unforgettable journey as the championship unfolds. The spotlight now shifts to Hamburg, where France will await their next opponent with eager anticipation, aiming to continue their quest for glory amidst the fervor of Euro 2024...////...