MASKED legend Kylian Mbappe squared up to Jan Vertonghen as tension soared in France’s nail-biting Euro 2024 KO of Belgium.
Mbappe tumbled over in the box under a challenge from the ex-Spurs defender – and appeared furious with Vertonghen’s reaction.
PAVertonghen clashed with Mbappe after the French striker tumbled[/caption]
GettyThe flare-up came as tensions rose before France got the breakthrough[/caption]
Referee Glenn Nyberg intervened to cool the situation – with the game still goalless deep into second half during a patchy last-16 tie.
And for poor Vertonghen it only got worse.
It was the 37-year-old who deflected a late French winner into his own goal, following a fierce 85th minute shot from Randal Kolo Muani.
Mbappe and Co had been frustrated by Belgium in a scrappy, even contest.
And perhaps that was why the Real Madrid new boy reacted so angrily after an exchange in the box with Vertonghen.
The Anderlecht centre-back snaked out a leg from behind and got the ball just before Mbappe tried to turn.
The ex-PSG pace ace went crashing down.
But Vertonghen seemed to reckon the 25-year-old’s fall was a little late, a little too theatrical.
GettyMbappe appeared to reckon he had a decent shout for a penalty[/caption]
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Mbappe was unhappy with whatever words were swapped.
And he continuing to verbally snap at Vertonghen.
Eventually Nyberg whistled for the players to come over as he calmed things down.
But if Vertonghen was in the right place for his tackle on Mbappe, he was in the wrong position later for the defining moment of the match.
He stuck out a knee when Kolo Muani fired in a left-footer – and the resulting ricochet wrong-footed Belgian keeper Koen Casteels.