Our prediction for this Euro 2024 match:
Sparkles will be flying when France and Belgium lock horns at Merkur Spiel-Arena in an eagerly-anticipated last 16 clash. Les Tricolores failed to impress in a 1-1 draw with Poland, but they must be boosted by Kylian Mbappe’s return from injury. As Atletico Madrid ace Antoine Griezmann returns to the starting XI against Belgium, home win should definitely be considered. PSG winger Bradley Barcola is likely to drop to the bench.
The Red Devils, on the other hand, were having their ups and downs in the group stages, with the team losing to Slovakia, beating Romania, while sharing the spoils with Ukraine. As Kevin De Bruyne and Co. have been struggling to find their best form at the European Championship finals, we are tempted to bet on France, who are seen as one of the main favourites to win the showpiece tournament. Sevilla forward Dodi Lukebakio is back from suspension, while both Axel Witsel and Thomas Meunier are facing race against the clock to be fit for Monday’s showdown.
Highlighted Player (Antoine Griezmann):
Anthony Griezmann is a French forward born on 21st March 1991 in Macon, and he is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting footballers at the moment. The pacey striker started showing his potential shortly after coming through Real Sociedad’s youth academy and he went on to score 46 goals in 179 league appearances for La Real. Excellent displays in Spanish la Liga saw him become a target for a number of top clubs, but he eventually choose to sign for Atletico Madrid, and that proved to be a very good decision.
Griezmann continued the rich vein of form at Vicente Calderon, scoring some important goals as los Colchoneros enjoyed domestic and European success, while also becoming a key member of the France national team.
Playing as a winger or second striker, Griezmann possesses impressive technical skills, he is a strong finisher and still finds time to work hard for his side, so no wonder he is widely regarded as one of the leading forwards on the continent. He won the U19 European Championship with France and is tipped to lead Les Bleus to glory on senior level as well.
Highlighted Team (Belgium):
Present on the international stage since 1904, Belgium national team have had plenty of ups and downs in the past, finishing as runners up at the 1980 European Championship in Italy. The Red Devils also won the third place on home soil at the 1972 tournament, while they enjoyed some success at the World Cup finals as well.
Belgium qualified for 12 World Cup tournaments, reaching the semi-finals in 1986 and quarter-finals at the 2014 tournament in Brazil. It is the generation that played in Brazil that is believed to be the most talented team since the one featuring Enzo Scifo, Michel Preud’homme and Franky van der Elst.
Playing their home games at King Baudouin Stadium, the Red Devils have impressed at the start of the 21st century, with the likes of Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne just some of the world-class players in the squad. Following some impressive results in the Euro 2016 qualifiers and international friendlies, Belgium climbed to number 1 position in the FIFA Rankings in November 2015.