Cn Monday at 6 p.m., the France team will face Belgium in the round of 16 of Euro 2024. A meeting all the more anticipated as it adds an episode to the rivalry on the field between the two countries born in 2018 with a French victory in the semi-final of the World Cup (1-0) then in 2021, during the victory of the Blues in the semi-final of the League of Nations (3-2).
The stakes are high: after unconvincing group stages on both sides, elimination at this stage of the competition would remain synonymous with failure for both nations. Despite a complicated start, France has great ambitions, having been accustomed to appearing, under the Deschamps era, in the last four. The Blues face the Red Devils in search of revenge: the tension risks being at its height.
This decisive match can be followed on TF1 from 5:50 p.m., with an airtime start at 5:30 p.m. with the Likes Euro presented by Denis Brogniard. An alternative proposal is available, for a fee, on Bein Sport which will also broadcast the confrontation, going on air at 5 p.m. with Club Euro followed by the match at 6 p.m.
Deschamps’ tactical move
With a mixed record of one win and two draws, Didier Deschamps is being questioned during this somewhat dull Euro, the only major competition missing from his list of achievements as a coach. France scored on a penalty and benefited from an own goal from Austria. The French coach seems to want to line up an unprecedented line-up with Mbappé, Thuram and Griezmann in attack, leaving Dembélé on the bench for the first time in the competition.
On the Belgian side, the dynamic is not flamboyant: the Red Devils had been whistled by their own supporters after having wanted to gain time against Ukraine in order to ensure their qualification. In a group that was nevertheless largely accessible, the balance sheet remains very mixed with one victory, one draw and one defeat. Led by Kevin De Bruyne, the Belgians will try to reverse the balance of power dominated by France.
The other match of the day
France’s potential quarter-final opponents, Portugal and Slovenia, will face off at 9pm, a match to watch on M6 and Bein Sport. The Portuguese, who had a good group stage, will try to get past the Slovenian trap, a surprise guest in the round of 16. France could therefore meet Portugal, the executioners of the Euro 2016 final.
Several quarter-finals are already known: the host country, Germany, will face Spain, a clash between the two most convincing teams since the start of the 2024 edition. In the other part of the table, England will face Switzerland, who beat the Italians, the defending champions.
