After the blood spilled by Kylian Mbappe and the tears shed by Cristiano Ronaldo, this was the night when perspiration finally surpassed inspiration.

Hidden behind his mask, Mbappe didn’t seem quite himself and left during extra-time, retreating to the bench with an ice pack on his broken nose. Despite being nearly invisible for long stretches, Ronaldo never looked like he would be substituted early.

When a good opportunity finally came his way, brilliantly set up by Francisco Conceicao at the start of extra-time, Portugal’s captain lifted the shot over the goal.

Though he did convert his penalty, it wasn’t enough.

Joao Felix was the only player to miss his penalty, hitting the post, and Ronaldo bids farewell to Euro 2024 without having scored in his last nine appearances in World Cup finals and European Championships.

He can no longer change the course of a game at this level and leaves as a shadow of the heroic figure he once was.

The night never fulfilled its promise of Europe’s greatest footballer passing the torch to Mbappe, his heir apparent.

It was indeed a night when defenders earned praise, celebrating crucial blocks in front of goal and recovery tackles.

Pepe, defying his 41 years, rolled back the years in his second 120-minute match of the week. It was a defender, Theo Hernandez, who settled the match, holding his nerve under pressure to score the decisive penalty and send France into a semi-final clash against Spain in Munich next Tuesday.

Despite struggling for fluency and flair, they have stumbled into the last four with three goals – two own goals and an Mbappe penalty against Poland – but Didier Deschamps’ side remains in contention.

Portugal controlled much of the first half, with France content to drop back and cede territory.

France showed more attacking intent in the second half, which enhanced the spectacle. Mbappe played a quick pass to N’Golo Kante, received the return, and tested Costa.

Although the shot went straight at the goalkeeper, it demonstrated a clear effort to play with greater urgency.

This renewed determination created more space for Portugal behind the French defense. Nuno Mendes initiated a counterattack down the left, evading both Jules Kounde and Dayot Upamecano before diving theatrically, but there was no contact and referee Michael Oliver was not deceived.

Mbappe, defending in his own penalty area against a series of set-pieces, suffered a painful blow when a header from Bernardo Silva struck his face. He removed his mask and needed treatment.

On the hour mark, Maignan made a superb save to deny Fernandes. After being set up by Cancelo, the Manchester United midfielder struck the ball first-time low towards the far corner. Maignan reacted swiftly, diving to his right to keep it out.

Cancelo missed high before France’s goalkeeper was called upon again, this time making a strong save from Vitinha, who surged into the penalty area from midfield.

Meanwhile, Portugal defended resolutely. Ruben Dias executed a fine block to divert an attempt by Muani wide, and Mendes similarly closed down his Paris Saint-Germain teammate to good effect.

Deschamps introduced Ousmane Dembele, who had an immediate impact, creating an opportunity for Camavinga, who should have scored but dragged his shot wide, leading the teams into extra time.

Joao Felix came closest to scoring in extra time, heading wide at the back post. Mendes also forced a late save, but ultimately, the match was decided in France’s favor from the penalty spot.