France-Belgium, already clashing in the round of 16 are two of the most anticipated selections that have disappointed expectations in the group stage.
Already clashing in the round of 16 are two selections, France and Belgium, who could (and should) have met further down the road. Disappointing performance in the group stage by both, however, disrupted their respective plans: Didier Deschamps’ battleship had to settle for second place, overtaken by Ralf Rangnick’s surprising Austria on the final day; the Red Devils, on the other hand, scored only 4 points in a group that they were originally expected to dominate.
The selection coached by Domenico Tedesco has to “thank” the goal difference (2 goals scored and one conceded), by virtue of which it finished ahead of Slovakia and Ukraine but behind Romania in a very balanced group, in which all four finished on equal points. Crucial was the success, the only one, achieved against the Romanians on the second day (2-0 Tielemans and De Bruyne). Otherwise, an unexpected defeat to Slovakia on the opener and a deadlocked draw with Ukraine. Of points France won one more, but from a representative team so full of talent and quality it was fair to expect a different performance. The transalpines never convinced on the level of play and, even more strikingly, scored only two goals, one thanks to an own goal and the other on a penalty kick.
France-Belgium, playing it safe with Mbappé and Griezmann
In the knockout stage, a change of pace is necessarily needed. The slightest mistake, it is known, can be fatal. Deschamps will ask for more effort from his team, which apparently cannot do without Kylian Mbappé, whose absence against Poland – he broke his septum with Austria – was very much felt.
The future Real Madrid striker can play while wearing a protective mask and in the last match he immediately took the stage by scoring his first goal in this European Championship. There is a good chance he can repeat himself against Belgium, which he already chastised in the last previous one (Nations League 2021). In addition to his plays, France is also relying on the experience of Griezmann, who is always very valuable in this kind of match: he and Dembélé will verisimilarly be two thorns in the side for the Belgian defenders and could come close on at least two or more occasions. In Belgium, De Bruyne and Doku have appeared quite inspired so far, on whom a token can be spent from a shooter’s perspective. In fact, there would also be Lukaku – the former Inter Milan player has already had 3 goals cancelled by the Var – ready to put Maignan in apprehension. Onana and Vertonghen will have plenty of work to do in the non-possession phase and risk yellow, same for Frenchman Tchouaméni.
Share comparison
Mbappé scorer Plus is listed at 2.30 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and 2.75 on Snai. Vertonghen cautioned Plus instead is quoted at 4.40 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and 4.00 on Snai.
