Overview

The highly anticipated match between France and Belgium will take place in the Round of 16 at Euro 2024 on July 1, 2024, at the Düsseldorf Arena in Germany. Both teams are looking to advance to the quarter-finals in what is expected to be a tightly contested encounter.

France

• Recent Performance: France topped Group D despite not playing to their full potential. They have shown defensive solidity but have struggled offensively, scoring only two goals in the group stage​ (먹튀검증)
• Key Players:
  • Kylian Mbappé: Expected to play a crucial role in breaking down Belgium's defense.
  • Antoine Griezmann: His creativity and experience are vital for France's attacking strategy.
  • N'Golo Kanté and Aurelien Tchouaméni: Will be key in controlling the midfield and disrupting Belgium's play​ 
• Strengths and Weaknesses: France's strength lies in their defensive setup, with a strong backline featuring Jules Koundé and Dayot Upamecano. However, their main weakness has been their inefficiency in front of goal​ 

Belgium

• Recent Performance: Belgium secured their place in the knockout stages by finishing as runners-up in Group E. Their performance has been inconsistent, particularly in converting chances into goals​ 
• Key Players:
  • Kevin De Bruyne: Central to Belgium's playmaking and offensive thrust.
  • Romelu Lukaku: Despite missing several opportunities, he remains a key figure in Belgium's attack.
  • Wout Faes: Important for maintaining defensive stability​ 
• Strengths and Weaknesses: Belgium's offensive capabilities are their main strength, but they have been plagued by poor finishing. Defensively, they are vulnerable, especially against high-quality attacks like France's​ 

Key Matchup Factors

1. Defensive Strength: France's strong defensive unit will be crucial in keeping Belgium's attackers at bay.
2. Offensive Execution: Both teams need to improve their finishing. The match might be decided by which team can capitalize on their scoring opportunities.
3. Midfield Battle: The midfield duel between France's Kanté and Tchouaméni versus Belgium's De Bruyne and Tielemans will be pivotal.

Predictions

• Outcome: France is slightly favored to win due to their strong defensive record and overall squad depth. However, Belgium's attacking talent means they cannot be underestimated​ 
• Score Prediction: A tight match is expected, possibly ending in a 2-1 victory for France, but a low-scoring draw is also a realistic outcome​