The highly anticipated round of 16 match between France and Belgium at the European Championship is set to take place on Monday. Both nations are ranked amongst the top European countries in the FIFA rankings, with France holding the second position and Belgium coming in at number three. Despite their high rankings, both teams have not been performing up to their potential in the tournament so far.
France’s star player Kylian Mbappé has been in the spotlight due to a broken nose, which has led to him wearing a protective mask during the match. The team captain has only managed to score one goal so far in the tournament, indicating that he still has some work to do to match his impressive goal-scoring record from the previous World Cup. Additionally, there has been criticism of France’s playing style, particularly their lack of efficiency in the attacking department.
On the other hand, Belgium has been facing criticism for their performances, especially after a disappointing 0-0 draw against Ukraine in the group stage. Captain Kevin De Bruyne and the team have faced backlash from fans, with De Bruyne visibly unhappy with the jeers from the crowd. The team will need to step up their game if they hope to progress further in the tournament, as they have been eliminated in the quarterfinals in the past two Euros.
The match between France and Belgium is expected to be closely contested, with both teams looking to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. France’s Antoine Griezmann is expected to return to the team after being rested in the previous match, while Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco is still contemplating his options for the right-wing position. Mbappé’s pace could cause problems for Belgium’s defense, especially for 37-year-old center back Jan Vertonghen.
In terms of statistics, Mbappé scored his first goal at a European Championship against Poland, while Belgium has only managed to win one of their last six meetings with France. The winner of this match will face either Portugal or Slovenia in the quarterfinals. Both teams are aware of the challenges that lie ahead, with France midfielder Eduardo Camavinga acknowledging Belgium’s potential to surprise, while Belgium right back Timothy Castagne expressed frustration at the team’s fans despite their qualification for the knockout stage.
