World Cup 2022 runner-up France has secured an early place in the EURO 2024 finals in Germany as one of the top seeds but wants to end the group stage with a winning record after eight matches.

 

In the end, they needed a powerful long-range finish from midfielder Youssouf Fofana in the 74th minute to prevent the victory of Greece, the 2004 European champions. However, France could have claimed three points in stoppage time, when Kingsley Coman’s kick appeared to cross the goal line before bouncing back against the post and flying out. The situation was ignored by the referees due to lack of support from Goal Line technology.

 

Fofana contributed to France’s opening goal 3 minutes before the end of the first half, when his pass was redirected by Olivier Giroud to the position of striker Randal Kolo Muani. The PSG striker made a powerful shot into the roof of the Greek net from a tight angle.

 

However, the following minutes witnessed a determined counterattack from the home team at OPAP Arena in Athens. They equalized 11 minutes after the second half began thanks to a beautiful volley from the edge of the penalty area by captain Tasos Bakasetas that left goalkeeper Brice Samba with no chance to save.