01/07/2024 – UEFA European Championship – Round of 16 – Last 16
Venue: Merkur Spiel-Arena
Kick-off: 5 pm
Where to watch? Live on ITV 1 – and stream via ITVX.
UEFA Euro 2024: Is France vs Belgium on TV? kick-off, team news, predictions & where to watch
A struggling France takes on a struggling Belgium in the latest last 16 of the Euro 2024 on Monday, 1 July.
It’s been a mixed performance from both sides – France ranked 2nd in the world and Belgium ranked 3rd – this tournament so far, with mixed results as well.
Both finished second in their groups but the French have had a slightly better group stage than Belgium and will likely go into the match with a little more confidence.
The winner of this match will face the winner of the Portugal vs Slovenia match tonight (8 PM).
MATCH PREVIEW
‘Mbappe Breaks Euros Drought’
Kylian Mbappe finally ended his Euros goal drought in France’s recent Group D clash with Poland. The French star converted a penalty early in the second half, marking his first goal of the tournament. However, Poland soon had their own penalty opportunity.
Robert Lewandowski’s initial attempt was saved by Mike Maignan, but the AC Milan goalkeeper was penalised for moving off his line. Given a second chance, Lewandowski scored, securing a 1-1 draw.
Maignan vented his frustrations on social media, criticising the penalty rules and Lewandowski’s multiple stutter steps. Despite the draw, France had to settle for second place in the group after Austria’s surprising win over the Netherlands.
Ralf Rangnick’s Austria will face Turkey in the next round, while France, underperforming so far, faces a tough path with potential matches against Portugal, Germany, and Spain in the knockout stages. France’s offensive struggles were evident as they failed to score from open play during the group stage despite 47 attempts.
On the positive side, France’s defence was solid, conceding just one goal – the second-best record after Spain. Lewandowski’s penalty was the only goal they’ve allowed in their last five matches across all competitions.
‘Belgium’s Mixed Group Stage Performance’
Belgium, who finished second in Group E, face their own challenges. Despite a 2-0 win over Romania, they were held to a goalless draw by Ukraine, relying on both their goalkeeper Koen Casteels and Ukraine’s poor finishing.
Belgium progressed thanks to their superior goal difference but managed just two goals in the group stage. Domenico Tedesco’s side will need to find their attacking form, as Romelu Lukaku has yet to score in Euro 2024. However, Belgium can take confidence from their recent record, with only one loss in their last 18 matches.
A third consecutive Euros knockout appearance awaits Belgium, who have a positive history of advancing past the last-16 stage in major tournaments. They last fell to Brazil in the 2002 World Cup, a hopeful sign for Deschamps’s France if they can overcome their next challenge.
‘Familiar Foes Set for Another Battle’
Belgium and France have a storied rivalry, with recent encounters favouring the French. France defeated Belgium in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and in the 2021 Nations League semi-final. If Belgium can overcome France this time, they will face either Portugal or Slovenia in the next round.
As the knockout stages approach, both teams have much to prove. France must rediscover their attacking touch, while Belgium needs to resolve their scoring issues. The stage is set for an exciting clash, with high stakes and the promise of thrilling football.
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TEAM NEWS
‘Mbappe Ready to Lead France, Deschamps Faces Selection Dilemmas’
After completing 90 minutes against Poland without any issues, Kylian Mbappe is set to lead France’s charge in their upcoming knockout match. Didier Deschamps is expected to have a full squad at his disposal.
Deschamps had benched Antoine Griezmann for the final Group D draw, but the Atletico Madrid star is likely to return to the starting XI. This reinstatement should see France revert to their preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. Speculation abounds regarding who will make way for Griezmann. Reports suggest Adrien Rabiot has been practising on the left wing during training, which might see Bradley Barcola moved to the bench.
Additionally, Deschamps is expected to drop the underperforming Ousmane Dembele and switch to a 4-3-1-2 formation, placing Marcus Thuram at the forefront of the attack alongside Mbappe. Despite a recent knee injury scare, Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate was unlikely to displace William Saliba or Dayot Upamecano in the central defence.
‘Lukebakio available again’
Belgium head coach Domenico Tedesco will have Dodi Lukebakio available again after his suspension and may bring the Sevilla winger back into the starting lineup, potentially replacing Leandro Trossard, who struggled against Ukraine. Yannick Carrasco, who was a significant threat in the last game, is also a contender for a starting spot.
Axel Witsel (adductor) and Thomas Meunier (thigh) are the only injury concerns for Belgium. Both are recovering but are unlikely to feature in the upcoming match in Dusseldorf.
Tedesco’s defensive options could be further complicated if Wout Faes receives a suspension-inducing yellow card. However, the Leicester City defender, who made a crucial goal-saving block against Ukraine, is expected to start regardless.
‘Deschamps hopes to revitalise, Belgium’s boost on the wing’
France’s tactical adjustments and player selections will be crucial in overcoming their scoring challenges. With Griezmann’s return, Deschamps hopes to revitalise the attack. Rabiot’s potential new role on the left and Thuram’s inclusion up front aim to add dynamism and creativity to the French offence.
For Belgium, Lukebakio’s return provides a boost on the wing, while Carrasco’s form offers another attacking option. The solid performance of Faes in defence gives Tedesco some reliability at the back, despite the looming risk of suspension.
As both teams gear up for the knockout stages, their strategic choices and key players’ performances will be pivotal. France and Belgium, with their rich footballing histories and recent encounters, are set for an exciting clash, with each side aiming to advance further in the tournament.
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PREDICTED LINE-UPS
FRA– Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez: Kante, Tchouameni, Griezmann; Dembele, Mbappe, Thuram
BEL– Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate; Mangala, Onana; Openda, De Bruyne, Doku; Lukaku
PREDICTIONS
France and Belgium have both left a lot to be desired at Euro 2024. They have each struggled going forward while boasting solid defences, even despite the latter being an obvious weak area for Belgium in terms of personnel. However, there can be no doubting the favourite for this one.
You would be brave to bet against France reaching the quarter-finals on Monday, with their tournament know-how and superior squad almost certainly taking them through. Their slow start aside, they are Europe’s best international team. Tournament football can produce bizarre results, but there isn’t likely to be one in Dusseldorf. France 2-0 Belgium – (90MIN)
Belgium have the weapons to hurt France, but it really hasn’t clicked for them and the French defence has been impressive so far. Up front, France have struggled at times, but Mbappe and co. will have enough to get past a weak Belgian backline. France 2-0 Belgium. – (The Independent)
While both managers possess an enviable amount of attacking firepower, neither offence has clicked into gear at the Euros, giving rise to a dull affair where defences should come out on top for the most part. However, Belgium were highly fortunate not to end up on the losing side and suffer elimination at the hands of Ukraine, and if there is to be a solitary strike in the 90 minutes, it should go to the men in blue. – (SportsMole)