After a very sluggish first round, the French team must absolutely raise its level to get rid of Belgium in the round of 16 and avoid enormous disillusionment, this Monday July 1 (6 p.m.) in Düsseldorf.
A climate of doubt has settled around the favorite of the competition, incapable until now of being 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.
The start of the tough 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 broke their teeth against the iron French defense in the semi-final (1-0) despite an avalanche of opportunities. A setback that they never really digested.
Finding the spark again
But before considering a hypothetical continental coronation, on July 14 in Berlin, the Blues must first find the spark that they have so lacked so far in Germany.
The coach hopes that it can come from the feet of his star Kylian Mbappé, who certainly opened his account on a penalty against the Poles but has not yet lifted all the questions concerning him. The captain has not given the full measure of his immense talent and his physical condition is still a source of uncertainty after a chaotic season at PSG and his various problems since the start of the preparation for the Euro (back, knee, broken nose).
We have no doubts, but we will have to capitalize on the opportunities.
But without a great Mbappé, there can be no great French team and Deschamps is counting on his number 10 to reinvigorate a sluggish attack (2 goals, one own goal and one penalty).
Euro 2024: Will Antoine Griezmann find his place in the Blues’ eleven in the round of 16 against Belgium?
“I always want to score goals, but the most important thing is the team,” he said on Sunday. “We are focused because it is important to score. We have no doubts but we will have to convert the opportunities.”
Antoine Griezmann is also highly anticipated, having been downgraded by being ejected from the starting eleven in the last match after two performances unworthy of his rank. The main cog in the French game under Deschamps, a major architect of the World Cup success in 2018, will undoubtedly be back to challenge the Red Devils and will have to bring creativity to an attacking sector that is sorely lacking in it.
The Belgians not at their best either
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 their supporters after three lackluster outings (1 victory, 1 draw, 1 defeat), Kevin De Bruyne’s teammates are not approaching this 76th “derby” between neighbors in the best spirits.
“We’re not favorites this time but we’re not thinking about it that much. We need to have a very big day and put out a great match,” said Belgium’s Italian coach Domenico Tedesco.
For Didier Deschamps, there is no doubt: “In terms of motivation, we will have to be at our best,” he warned. The coach has fumbled a lot tactically during this Euro and will also be playing very big.
AFP
France – Belgium: the probable teams
The table for the final phase of Euro 2024
