New Delhi: France and Belgium haven’t performed according to the talent they hold in their squad in their Group draws in UEFA Euro 2024. Both teams entered the knockouts with just one win from their Group Stage games.
France finished in the top two of Group D with five points from two draws and one win. However, none of their performances in the three games have been convincing. Their opening game saw a 1-0 victory over Austria thanks to Maximilian Wober’s own goal. They could not break the scoreboard against Netherlands, and their final match ended in a 1-1 draw over Poland.
Belgium started their campaign with an upset from Slovakia. Their 2-0 win over Romania was badly required for them to stay alive in the contest. Their goalless draw against Ukraine made them qualify second in the Group E.
Mike Maignan vs Koen Casteels, the battle of goalkeepers
DUSSELDORF – France goalkeeper Mike Maignan during the UEFA EURO 2024 group D match between Austria and France at the Esprit Arena on June 17, 2024 in Dusseldorf, Germany. ANP | Hollandse Hoogte | Gerrit van Keulen (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
If France have managed to two clean sheets in the group stage, it is mostly because of Maignan’s amazing saves. He has made nine saves from three matches, conceding just one goal. Before the start of the tournament, he was under immense pressure after sustaining an injury and lacking form. The 28-year-old has turned around his fortunes and has managed to put in front on more than one occasion.
Belgium’s Casteels has been impressive as well. Like his counterpart, he has conceded only one goal. He made 12 saves in the group stage, which ultimately helped Belgium reach the knockout stage, as their qualification was based on a difference in goals.
The two shot-stoppers have performed extremely well under pressure. The two custodians will carry their team’s hopes in the knockouts.
Mbappe returns from injury
SIGNAL IDUNA PARK, DORTMUND, GERMANY – 2024/06/25: Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates after scoring the opening goal from a penalty kick during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage football match between France and Poland. The match ended 1-1 tie. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Mbappe had arrived at the European Championship without a single goal to his name in the tournament. France’s opening game proved to be unfortunate for the Real Madrid-bound striker. Mbappe dribbled past three Austrian defenders in the 38th, which ultimately saw Max Wober score an own goal in France’s win.
However, in the closing minutes, a collision with Kevin Danso caused him to walk off the field for medical attention and prevented him from playing the game against the Netherlands.
His return against Poland was highly anticipated. In the 56th minute, Mbappe scored a brilliant penalty to open the tally for France. Though the game ended in a draw, it is clear that Mbappe’s injury has had little effect on his performance.
From France’s point of view, it will be crucial that Mbappe plays well throughout the knockout stage. His absence in France’s game against the Netherlands was evident as France’s attack failed to succeed in the Netherlands’ goalpost. He will be able to spearhead France’s attack on Monday’s game.
Romelu Lukaku’s continued poor form
COLOGNE, GERMANY – JUNE 22: Romelu Lukaku of Belgium during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Belgium and Romania at Cologne Stadium on June 22, 2024 in Cologne, Germany.(Photo by James Baylis – AMA/Getty Images)
When in rhythm, no one is as lethal as Lukaku in front of the goal. However, there have been questions about his recent form. The 31-year-old had a below-par Euros campaign, managing just a solitary assist from three games. He has failed to register a single goal in all three games. Critics have even suggested Lois Openda to replace the experienced campaigner due to his continued poor form.
Over the years, Lukaku has been reliable in scoring goals at a high frequency for his national side. The striker has scored 85 goals from his 118 appearances for Belgium. On top of his poor form, his record against France doesn’t suggest a solid display in the upcoming game. He has managed only one goal against the opponent from his four appearances against the team.
From Belgium’s point of view, he has to perform and finish strongly to prove effective against France and support the in-form Kevin De Bryne.
Euro 2024: As France and Belgium get ready to lock horns in a mouthwatering last-16 tie, here are the key talking points ahead of the blockbuster match. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
