Qualified for the round of 16 of the Euro after their draw against Ukraine (0-0) on Wednesday, the Belgians will meet the French team on their road next Monday (6 p.m.). A clash that has become a “classic”, especially since their face-to-face in the semi-final of the 2018 World Cup.
France-Belgium, act 3. After the 2018 episode – the seum of Thibaut Courtois, the victorious head and the dance of Samuel Umtiti – during the semi-final of the World Cup, after 2021 (1-0) and the French “comeback” in the semi-final of the League of Nations (3-2), what will the new clash between two neighboring selections, certainly, but which have become rivals during the biggest international competitions, have in store for us?
This Wednesday, Belgium validated its ticket for the round of 16 of Euro 2024 by obtaining a draw against Ukraine (0-0). As for the Blues, the observation is the same: the game played is considered insufficient, the offensives very poor… Enough to frustrate some of the supporters of the two nations. But the prospect of seeing this meeting between the Tricolores and the Red Devils in a direct elimination match suggests that, perhaps, this will truly launch one or the other into the competition.
“There is rivalry, against France there is always a little more”
Questioned after the final whistle this Wednesday, several Belgian players gave their impressions before returning to France on their route. “When you look at their squad, there are high-class, world-class players. And even when they don’t have a great match, there is always one who can make the difference, so we have to be vigilant “, summarized Jérémy Doku.
For Timothy Castagne, this promises “a great match”. “We can’t say to ourselves that they are less good, because they can always make the difference (…) There is rivalry, against France there is always a little more, that’s normal between neighbors. I think it’s also a good thing, it gives more intensity, motivation.”
Youri Tielemans, for his part, wanted to be wary: “It remains the French team, they are always there in the major competitions. Now, we have no complexes, we are there to do the job, to pass each round and it will be the same against them.”
