Foto:xsport
Today, on July 1, a highly anticipated Round of 16 match of Euro 2024 took place between the national teams of France and Belgium. This match was regarded as the most high-profile encounter among all eight games at this stage. However, considering the issues that plagued the Belgian team during the group stage, their ability to pose a real threat to one of the tournament’s favorites, France, was in doubt. Nonetheless, France’s own performance has been far from perfect, often resembling a struggling England rather than a dominant Spain or Germany. Hence, it was premature to assume Didier Deschamps’ team would easily secure their spot in the quarterfinals.
Euro 2024 Performance Recap
France’s journey through the group stage has been one of the major disappointments, given their potential and the actual quality of their play. They managed a narrow 1-0 victory against Austria in their opening match, but that remains their only win so far in the tournament. Subsequently, Les Bleus played out a goalless draw with the Netherlands and failed to defeat an already eliminated Poland, settling for a 1-1 draw.
As a result of their lackluster performance, France entered the knockout stage from the second position in their group, rather than the top. This placed them in a more challenging path, facing a formidable opponent in Belgium instead of a less threatening Turkey.
Belgium’s group stage performance was equally underwhelming. The Red Devils began their campaign with a shocking 0-1 loss to Slovakia, then recovered with a 2-0 win over Romania. However, in their decisive match against Ukraine, they managed only a goalless draw, securing a place in the Round of 16 from the second position as well. This game against Ukraine drew significant criticism from both Belgian and international fans. By the time of this match, Domenico Tedesco’s team knew that finishing second would likely pit them against France, a prospect no one relished. To avoid such a scenario, Belgium needed to play for the win, but they failed to deliver. The fans’ frustration was palpable as they booed their team after the final whistle, prompting captain Kevin De Bruyne to lead his teammates off the pitch, forbidding them to approach the stands.
Team Lineups:
France: Maignan, Theo Hernandez, Saliba, Upamecano, Kounde, Rabiot, Tchouameni, Kante, Griezmann, Marcus Thuram (62, Kolo Muani), Mbappe.
Belgium:
Casteels, Theate, Vertonghen, Faes, Castagne (88, De Ketelaere), Carrasco (88, Lukebakio), Onana, De Bruyne, Doku, Openda (64, Mangala), Lukaku.
The game commenced with a noticeable dominance from the French side. However, by the 20th minute, Belgium had adjusted and began launching dangerous counterattacks. In the 24th minute, Kevin De Bruyne took a perilous free kick, but French goalkeeper Maignan managed to deflect the ball with his foot.
The first half was marked by intense competition. France played quite aggressively, with the referee choosing not to send off Rabiot mid-way through the half, instead showing him a yellow card. Despite their territorial advantage, France could not convert it into numerous scoring opportunities, and the first half ended goalless.
The second half saw even more tension. In the 49th minute, Tchouameni attempted a dangerous shot from outside the penalty area, which Casteels saved. Mbappe made an impressive solo run in the 55th minute, but his shot went just over the crossbar.
In the 61st minute, Carrasco almost found himself one-on-one with the French goalkeeper, but Theo Hernandez managed to clear the ball with a sliding tackle. By the 70th minute, France had a significant advantage in shots (17:3), but both teams had only one shot on target.
The match reached its climax in the 85th minute when Kolo Muani’s shot deflected off Belgian defender Vertonghen and into the near post. This own goal secured France’s victory.
Final Score: France 1-0 Belgium
This intense match showcased the strength and determination of the French team, which confidently advanced to the Euro 2024 quarterfinals, leaving Belgium out of the tournament.
Source: xsport.ua
