France-Greece is a match on day four of Euro 2024 qualifying Group B and is played on Monday at 20:45: predictions.
Didier Deschamps’ France didn’t need to step on the gas much on Friday to crush the resistance of Gibraltar’s modest selection, who were overwhelmed 3-0 on the neutral pitch in Faro, Portugal. Giroud and Mbappé (on a penalty kick) secured a first-half victory. Then it was business as usual in the second half, with the third goal coming courtesy of an own goal.
The Bleus are on an unbeaten run so far, having won their first three matches of the Euro 2024 qualifying round. Eight goals scored, none conceded and first place booked: the transalpines, in fact, have already got rid of the most insidious opponent in the group, namely the Netherlands, annihilated 4-0 on the first day. France, along with surprising Greece – six points out of six available – are one of the two selections with full points but at the same time the only one, apart from Gibraltar, to have already played three matches. Qualification for the next European championships, in short, appears to be a mere formality at this point. And in the event of a victory against Greece at the Stade de France, the games would be closed, even if the mathematics are still far away.
The Greeks also got off to a flying start and are now dreaming of catching up with the Netherlands in the fight for second place, which on paper has already been ‘assigned’ to Ronald Koeman’s national team.
Bakasetas
Leaded by Uruguayan Gus Poyet, Greece are fresh from an important victory against Ireland, beaten 2-1 in Athens by goals from Bakasetas and Masouras. It is the second consecutive success after the 3-0 win over Gibraltar last March, two matches interspersed with a blank draw in the friendly against Lithuania. Poyet is expected to confirm the line-up that faced the Irish, but the condition of the injured Baldock, Kourbelis and Pelkas is a concern. Deschamps has not announced many changes either: the only one could be in goal, where Milan’s Maignan will take Samba’s place.
The Prediction
Of eight matches, Greece have only managed to beat France on one occasion: it was in the historic 2004 European Championships, when the Greeks – who went on to win the tournament – got the better of the heavily favoured French side in the quarter-finals. It would take a feat like that for Poyet’s selection to climb a real mountain. Victory within reach for the Bleus, who would have to win by at least two goals.
France v Greece line-up probables
- FRANCE (4-3-3): Samba; Koundé, W. Fofana, Konaté, T. Hernandez; Griezmann, Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Coman, Giroud, Mbappé.
- GREECE (4-3-3): Vlachodimos; Baldock, Mavropanos, Chatzidiakos, Tsimikas; Bakasetas, Kourbelis, Mantalos; Masouras, Pavlidis, Pelkas.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-0
