The knockout stages of Euro 2024 are upon us, and the clash between France and Belgium in Duesseldorf on Monday promises to be a captivating encounter. Both nations, considered contenders at the start of the tournament, have stumbled into the last 16 after failing to top their respective groups.
France’s usually potent attack has been a cause for concern, struggling to find their rhythm and suffering from a lack of confidence. Coach Didier Deschamps, known for his steady leadership, is facing a challenge in finding the right formula to unlock their offensive potential. Meanwhile, Belgium has had to deal with a wave of criticism from its own supporters after a lackluster group stage performance. Despite securing a place in the next round, their fans voiced their displeasure, leading the team to close ranks and focus on the task at hand. Captain Kevin De Bruyne, visibly upset by the abuse directed at the team, will be looking to inspire his teammates to deliver a more convincing display.
Romelu Lukaku, Belgium’s all-time leading scorer, will be under pressure to find his scoring touch after a series of missed opportunities in the tournament. His lack of goals at major tournaments is a cause for concern, and he will need to rediscover his form if Belgium is to make a serious run.
On the other side, France’s failure to score from open play in their opening three matches has raised eyebrows. Deschamps is now faced with the decision of whether to reinstate Antoine Griezmann to the starting lineup alongside Kylian Mbappe. Griezmann’s experience and creativity could be vital in unlocking France’s attacking potential.
The history between these two nations is rich and intertwined, dating back 120 years to their first international meeting in Brussels. Belgium holds a slight edge in the head-to-head record, but France has won their last two encounters, including a semifinal clash at the 2018 World Cup and a Nations League semifinal in 2021.
The winner of Monday’s encounter at the Duesseldorf Arena will face either Portugal or Slovenia in the quarterfinals, setting the stage for an intense battle for a place in the semi-finals.
