Belgium failed to see off Ukraine on Wednesday afternoon. A goalless stalemate kept them second in Group E, meaning the Red Devils will now have to face back-to-back World Cup finalists France in the round of 16.
The mouth-watering affair will take place on Monday evening at Dusseldorf Arena. Which team will advance to the quarter-final?
- France are unbeaten in six straight games across competitions.
- Belgium failed to score in two of their three outings at the Euro.
- Four of the previous six H2H matches between France and Belgium finished with fewer than three goals scored.
- None of France’s last four outings across competitions provided three or more goals.
Both France and Belgium provided uninspired performances in the group stage of the Euro. France only drew 1-1 to already-eliminated Poland on the final day to settle for a second place in Group D.
Kylian Mbappe scored his maiden goal at European Championship by converting a spot-kick but Barcelona’s star Robert Lewandowski set the final score from a penalty of his own.
Belgium offered a lethargic display in a non-eventful goalless stalemate against Ukraine on the final day of happenings in Group E.
All four teams in the section ended the phase on four points. The goal difference set the final standings, sending the Ukrainians home.
France vs Belgium Predicted Lineups and Team News
Kylian Mbappe returned to the starting XI with a protective mask after skipping the second-round clash against the Netherlands.
Didier Deschamps left Antoine Griezmann on the bench against Poland but we expect the Atletico Madrid attacker to return to the starting XI in the round of 16.
As for Belgium, we expect an unchanged starting XI from the clash against Ukraine Domenico Tedesco.
France (4-3-3): Maignan – Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez – Tchouameni, Kante, Rabiot – Dembele, Mbappe, Griezmann
Belgium (4-3-3): Casteels – Castagne, Faes, Theate, Vertonghen – De Bruyne, Onana, Tielemans – Trossard, Lukaku, Doku.
