The France team faces Belgium on Monday in Düsseldorf in the round of 16 of Euro 2024. A meeting to follow live on France24.com from 6 p.m. (Paris time).
Published on: 01/07/2024 – 12:49 Modified on: 01/07/2024 – 17:24
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Neighbors’ Day in Düsseldorf. The French team faces Belgium on Monday, July 1 at 6 p.m. in the round of 16 of Euro 2024. After a group stage where both teams showed shortcomings, particularly offensively, the Blues will have to assert themselves against the Red Devils if they do not want to exit the competition immediately, as was the case against Switzerland during Euro 2021.
Follow the meeting with our live commentary
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Compositions from France – Belgium
France : Maignan – Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez – Kante, Tchouaméni, Rabiot – Griezmann – Thuram, Mbappé (cap.)
Belgium : Casteels – Faes, Jan Vertonghen, Arthur Theate – Castagne, Onana, De Bruyne (cap), Carrasco – Openda, Lukaku, Doku
France has problems with offensive efficiency: it has only scored two goals, one signed against its camp by an Austrian (1-0), the other from the penalty spot.
Their attacking leaders are not in great shape. Kylian Mbappé, who converted the penalty against Poland (1-1) and caused the “own goal”, missed a match after breaking his nose and must play with a mask that slightly hinders his vision.
Read alsoEuro 2024: Antoine Griezmann and the Blues expected at the turning point by Belgium
Antoine Griezmann missed big chances and even started the third group match against the Poles on the bench.
The lack of realism in front of goal “was problematic in the group stage, we’re not going to hide it,” admits Mbappé, “but another competition is starting, sudden death, we’re really going to have to create chances tomorrow (Monday).”
“It really must not stay in the guys’ heads,” insists the French super star. “The most important thing is to create chances, then of course you have to take them.”
But the Belgian attack is not in great shape either. The Red Devils only scored two goals against Romania (2-0) and their striker Romelu Lukaku is still dry, after having three goals disallowed by the video referee.
The Belgians even find themselves at odds with their supporters, who whistled at them after the sad 0-0 against Ukraine which ensured their qualification.
“Case closed,” replied coach Domenico Tedesco. “The fans have the right to express their opinion in the way they want, just as we have the right to express our disappointment. The fans know we will need them” against France.
