France FC is ready for their showdown against Belgium FC, as both squads eyes to qualify for the quarterfinals of Euro 2024. Heading into this match, both France and Belgium finished at the second of their groups, having the same results. France finished their group stage with five points, earning a draw on their last game. Despite France‘s underwhelming campaign in the group stage, they can improve their match and advance to the next round. Meanwhile, Belgium, just like their opponent, ended their group stage campaign with a draw. Following their results, Belgium needs to improve their game through this match for a chance in the next round. The meeting between these two teams is on July 2, 2024, at 12:00 AM (GMT+8).
France FC
Kylian Mbappe broke his Euros duck in France’s recent match against Poland, scoring a spot kick in the second half. AC Milan’s Mike Maignan was penalised for coming off his line, allowing Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski to score a goal. France, underperforming, faces several obstacles to reach the final, including Portugal, Germany, and Spain in the same last-16 bracket. France went through the group stage without scoring a single goal from open play, having 47 attempts without making the net bulge. However, one goal conceded across the group stage was the joint second-best defensive record of its kind, only behind Spain. Lewandowski’s retaken spot kick is the only effort Deschamps’s men have shipped in their last five games across all tournaments.
France coach Deschamps is expected to have all his troops available for the match against Poland, with Mbappe leading the charge. Griezmann will return to the first XI, and Adrien Rabiot will likely be demoted to the bench. Deschamps is also expected to axe Ousmane Dembele and go for a 4-3-1-2 formation, with Marcus Thuram and Mbappe returning to the attack.
Belgium FC
Belgium’s defensive statistics have been poor, with the team failing to score in two of their three matches in Group E. Despite regaining their attacking touch in a 2-0 win over Romania, Belgium’s goalless draw against Ukraine on Wednesday left them in second spot. The team has managed just two goals across the group stage, with only one-strike Serbia netting fewer. They now face a third-straight Euros knockout appearance, having progressed from each of their last four last-16 games. Belgium, frequent foes of France, has suffered a 1-0 loss in the 2018 World Cup semi-final and a 3-2 loss in the 2021 Nations League semi-final.
Belgium coach Tedesco plans to have Dodi Lukebakio back on Monday after his suspension, potentially replacing Leandro Trossard. Yannick Carrasco is also a contender. Axel Witsel and Thomas Meunier are injury concerns, but neither should be involved in Dusseldorf. Wout Faes’ suspension-inducing yellow card could complicate Tedesco’s defensive dilemma.
Prediction:
France FC (1.5)
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