2 days Ago By Hope Hisey, Yardbarker
France and Portugal won their UEFA European Championship Round of 16 games Monday thanks to clutch performances from their men between the sticks. Tournament heavyweights France found it difficult against a promising Belgian side, scraping by with a 1-0 victory. Belgium's own goal in the 85th minute was the only difference between the two sides, coming just two minutes after a crucial save by French and AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
DE BRUYNE DENIED BY MAIGNAN pic.twitter.com/6l3oXBCMXp Maignan also dealt with a challenging, whipped service from a set play in the 24th minute, improvising to keep Belgium off the board.
OH MY Maignan makes a late kick save to keep things 0-0 pic.twitter.com/f1ZuU89CkI France has not yet scored from open play, putting a heavy burden on their defense to see them through games.
Nonetheless, they find themselves three wins away from another major tournament trophy. The defense and Maignan have answered the call thus far. The Frenchman is currently leading the Golden Glove race with three clean-sheets and just one goal against.
Portugal and Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa was also a busy man on Monday. His side and Slovenia played to a tough 0-0 draw and went to penalties, but not before a critical one-on-one save in extra time. Another look at the game-saving save from Diogo Costa pic.
twitter.com/a9VWR1H8Fp Costa continued his heroism in the shootout, becoming the first goalkeeper in Euros history to save all three spot-kicks he faced. Diogo Costa.
