Striker Antoine Griezmann, a substitute at kick-off in the France team’s last match, is making his return as a starter to face Belgium in the round of 16 of Euro 2024 on Monday in Düsseldorf, according to the match sheet.
The vice-captain did not start the match against Poland (1-1) on June 25, after two very lackluster performances during the group stage.
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“He played almost all the matches in full. I know what he is capable of doing. Think what you want, it’s a choice to make him breathe”, explained the coach Didier Deschamps at the outcome of the game.
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The Atletico Madrid player (33 years old, 132 caps, 44 goals) appeared to have little influence on the French game against Austria (1-0) before missing two huge chances against the Netherlands (0-0).
Griezmann is expected to be slotted in behind attacking duo Kylian Mbappe and Marcus Thuram, with the latter also returning after starting against Austria and the Netherlands, while Ousmane Dembele will start on the bench for the first time at the Euros.
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The rest of the French eleven is unchanged.
On the Belgian side, coach Domenico Tedesco changed his team compared to the last match against Ukraine (0-0), Loïs Openda being lined up in front with Romelu Lukaku and dribbler Jérémy Doku. The Italian technician also placed Yannick Carrasco on the left piston.
Team composition:
France: Maignan – Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez – Kante, Tchouaméni, Rabiot – Griezmann – Thuram, Mbappé (cap.)
Coach: Didier Deschamps
Belgium: Casteels – Faes, Jan Vertonghen, Arthur Theate – Castagne, Onana, De Bruyne (cap), Carrasco – Openda, Lukaku, Doku
Coach: Domenico Tedesco (ITA)
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