Euro 2024: Everything you need to know about France vs Belgium match
By Seyi Babalola
France and Belgium will face off in the UEFA Euro 2024 round of 16 on Monday, July 1 by 5 pm.
France and Belgium have yet to hit full gear at EURO 2024, but the current form will likely be of little consequence when these adjacent countries restart a 120-year-old football rivalry that has reached new heights in recent years.
The Red Devils have a stronger overall record (W30 D19 L26), but Les Bleus have dominated their recent competitive encounters, winning 1-0 in the 2018 FIFA World Cup semi-finals and 3-2 in a UEFA Nations League semi-final in 2021.
Speaking ahead of the game, Didier Deschamps, France coach said: “We’re in a new phase of the competition â a competition within a competition. There are no second chances now. The teams that have qualified are better than the ones that went home.
“It’s all about having that cutting edge in front of goal. If you want to win, you have to score â and that’s not been what we’ve been doing. That happens to the best of us and the best goalscorers.”
Also, Domenico Tedesco, Belgium coach said: “It’s a tough opponent. Of course, it’s an important game â you’re either in or out. You feel this special feeling, and that’s why we’re here and want to qualify.
“We had that feeling after losing the first game to Romania. We haven’t been able to relax for two days since so it’s not new for us. We have to stay focused and we have all the qualities to do it.”
The winner of Monday’s match at the Duesseldorf Arena will face Portugal or Slovenia in the quarterfinals.
The match will be broadcast on GOtv and DStv. On GOtv channel 61, and DStv channels 222 and 225, respectively.
Possible line-ups
France: Maignan; KoundĂŠ, Upamecano, Saliba, HernĂĄndez; KantĂŠ, TchouamĂŠni, Rabiot, Griezmann; MbappĂŠ, Thuram
Suspended: none
Misses next match if booked: DembĂŠlĂŠ, MbappĂŠ, Rabiot
Belgium: Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate; Mangala, Onana, De Bruyne; Doku, Lukaku, LukĂŠbakio
Suspended: none
Misses next match if booked: Faes, Mangala, Tielemans.
