After a very sluggish first round, the French team must absolutely raise its level to get rid of Belgium in eighth finals of the Euro 2024 and avoid a huge disappointment, this Monday in Düsseldorf. A climate of doubt has settled around the favorite of the competition, unable so far to be worthy of this status.
Coming out second in Group D with a small victory against Austria (1-0) and two not very exciting draws against the Netherlands (0-0) and Poland (1-1), the vice-world champions did not have not really impressed and are advancing towards the knockout matches without any real benchmarks.
A big Mbappé expected
The start of the decisive matches will perhaps allow Didier Deschamps’ men to shine, as in 2018 when, after a worrying start to the tournament, they managed to win a second world title in Russia. The Belgians still remember it, they who had broken their teeth against French iron defense in semi-final (1-0) despite an avalanche of opportunities. A setback that they never really digested.
But before considering a hypothetical continental consecration on July 14 in Berlin, the Blues must first find the spark who they have missed so much for the moment in Germany. The coach hopes that it can come from the feet of his star Kylian Mbappé, who certainly opened his counter from a penalty against the Poles but has not yet cleared up all the questions concerning him. The captain has not given the full measure of his immense talent and his physical state is still a source of uncertainty after a chaotic season at PSG and his various glitches since the start of preparation for the Euro (back, knee, fracture of the nose).
But without a great Mbappé, there cannot be a great French team and Deschamps is counting on his No.10 to revitalize a sluggish attack (2 goals, one against his camp and one from the penalty spot). “I always want to score goals, but the most important thing is the teamhe said this Sunday. We are focused because it is important to score. We have no doubts, but we will have to take advantage of the opportunities.”
The Belgians facing the blue wall
Antoine Griezmann is also eagerly awaited, who was downgraded by being ejected from the starting lineup during the last match after two performances unworthy of his rank. The main cog in the French game under the Deschamps era, major architect of the success in the World Cup in 2018, will undoubtedly return to challenge the Red Devils and will have to bring creativity in an offensive sector which is sorely lacking.
Belgium, which no longer has anything to do with the magnificent team of 2018, does not have the same defensive solidity as France and has reason to fear the awakening of the Mbappé-Griezmann duo. Under fire from critics of their supporters after three lackluster outings (1 win, 1 draw, 1 defeat), Kevin De Bruyne’s teammates are not approaching this 76th “derby” between neighbors in the best frame of mind. The blue wall, embodied by the central hinge Dayot Upamecano-William Saliba, will have to keep a close eye on the colossus Romelu Lukaku while Jules Koundé will have to subdue the dribbling of Jérémy Doku. Not to mention De Bruyne’s science in the middle.
For Didier Deschamps, there is no doubt: “In terms of motivation, we will have to be at our maximum”he warned. The coach has fumbled a lot tactically during this Euro and will also be playing very big.
