France’s inability to top Group D means they now face the challenge of facing Belgium in the last 16 of Euro 2024.
With a draw against Poland who were already eliminated in their final group game, Les Bleus managed to finish second to Austria. The tournament favorites have been overwhelming Germany so far and have managed just two goals in their first three matches, one own and the other a penalty.
Didier Deschamps’ side are the deepest and strongest side in the competition but they have struggled to find a way out of second gear. A clash with Belgium in the last 16 – a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semi-final – could kick-start their campaign.
After all, Belgium was disappointed in the same way at Euro 2024. Following the defeat in the opening match against Slovakia, a win over Romania and a draw against Ukraine allowed them to enter second place. Romelu Lukaku has been unlucky and unconvincing up top, while Kevin De Bruyne has not been able to write about the big cracks in the Belgian team.
Here it is 90 min Guide to France vs Belgium in Euro 2024.
France vs Belgium H2H Record (Last Five Matches)
Current form (all competitions)
|
France |
In Belgium |
|---|---|
|
France 1-1 Poland – 25/06/24 |
Ukraine 0-0 Belgium – 26/06/24 |
|
Netherlands 0-0 France – 21/06/24 |
Belgium 2-0 Romania – 22/06/24 |
|
Austria 0-1 France – 17/06/24 |
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia – 17/06/24 |
|
France 0-0 Canada – 09/06/24 |
Belgium 3-0 Luxembourg – 08/06/24 |
|
France 3-0 Luxembourg – 05/06/24 |
Belgium 2-0 Montenegro – 05/06/24 |
|
The country |
TV channel/live streaming |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website |
|
United States |
fuboTV, Sling, Foxsports.com, FOX Sports App, Fox Sports 1, ViX |
|
Canada |
TSN3, TSN4, TVA+ |
Having broken his nose against Austria and missed the next game against the Netherlands, Kylian Mbappe returned for France’s final group game against Poland. He scored his first goal at any Euros with a well-taken penalty in a 1-1 draw.
Deschamps did not make many changes when France faced Poland and he should not make many when they met Belgium. Antoine Griezmann was only given half an hour, however, and will return to the starting line-up on Monday.
France predicted to face Belgium (4-3-3): Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, T. Hernandez; Griezmann, Kante, Rabiot; Dembele, Mbappe, Thuram.
Belgium have struggled with defensive injuries throughout the tournament but have now welcomed Jan Vertonghen and Arthur Theate back. However, Domenico Tedesco may be without Axel Witsel and Thomas Meunier against France, both of whom are yet to appear in Germany.
Youri Tielemans has started the last two games and seems to have beaten Orel Mangala down, while Johan Bakayoko and Lois Openda must ask themselves what they need to do to be eligible to start up front for Belgium.
Belgium predicted to face France (4-2-3-1): Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theater; Onana, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; Lukaku.
France and Belgium both left a lot to be desired at Euro 2024. They struggled going forward while boasting a solid defence, although this was Belgium’s weakest area in terms of personnel. However, there can be no doubting the favorite of this one.
You can bet against France reaching the quarter-finals on Monday, with their experience of the tournament and the quality of the team likely to pass them. Despite their slow start aside, they are the best international team in Europe.
Championship football can produce strange results, but it probably won’t in Düsseldorf.
Prediction: France 2-0 Belgium
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