Both Belgium and France have struggled to hit the heights expected of them at Euro 2024, and they are now set to go head-to-head in the Round of 16 stage of the competition.
By Matthew Smith
France haven’t quite got into their groove at Euro 2024 so far, partly due to Kylian Mbappé’s tournament being impacted by injury. The attacking star broke his nose in the opening game, meaning he failed to make an appearance in the second match.
Didier Deschamps’s side have scored just twice in Germany, despite creating 5.9 expected goals. Their resolute defence has helped them reach the knockout rounds, only conceding 0.3 goals per 90 minutes at Euro 2024.
N’Golo Kanté has been influential in the middle of the park for the French, not only producing more successful tackles per 90 minutes than any other player in the squad, but also creating more chances than his team-mates.
With just one goal to his name so far, a penalty against Poland, Deschamps will be hoping to see more of one of his star men before the end of the tournament, Mbappé. France were one of the favourites heading into Euro 2024, but they will need to show more to live up to their expectations.
Belgium’s high-pressing system has brought them some success so far, but their lack of goals will be a worry for Domenico Tedesco. Averaging just 0.7 goals per game, Belgium have been fairly blunt in attack, despite Kevin De Bruyne doing what he does best, creating a host of chances for his team-mates.
The Manchester City midfielder is yet to register an assist at Euro 2024, despite creating 11 opportunities since the tournament got under way. Romelu Lukaku has regularly been on the end of them, averaging 0.56 expected goals per 90 without finding the back of the net.
The threat of Jérémy Doku on either wing will always give the opposition something to think about, with the tricky forward averaging a whopping five successful dribbles per 90 minutes. The likes of Jules Koundé and Theo Hernández will have to be at their best to nullify him on Monday.
Belgium and France might have hoped not to meet each other so early in the knockout stages, and it’s all set to be an interesting encounter, with one of the favourites to lift the trophy pre-tournament going to be heading home in the coming days.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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