The UEFA Euro 2024 round of 16 throws up a clash of titans as France, ranked number two in the world, meets Belgium, ranked number three, at the Düsseldorf Arena on Monday, July 1st. This is a surprising turn of events for both teams, who were expected to dominate their groups. Now, they face a high-stakes knockout match with a place in the quarterfinals on the line.

Underperforming giants:

Despite boasting world-class talent, both France and Belgium have sputtered so far in the tournament. France has yet to score a single goal from open play, relying solely on penalties. Belgium, meanwhile, suffered a shocking defeat to Slovakia. This match is a chance for them to redeem themselves and avoid a disappointing early exit.

France vs Belgium History of Rivalry:

This isn’t the first time these neighbouring countries have clashed on the big stage. France and Belgium share a 120-year-old football rivalry, with recent encounters proving to be tightly contested affairs. France holds the upper hand in recent competitive matches, having edged Belgium in the 2018 World Cup semi-final and the 2021 Nations League semi-final.

Key Players to Watch:

France:
- Kylian Mbappé (FW): Can the young superstar break out of his scoring slump and lead the French attack? His pace and dribbling skills will be a constant threat to the Belgian defense.
- Aurélien Tchouameni (CM): The rising star will be crucial in controlling the midfield and dictating the tempo for France. His ability to win tackles and distribute the ball effectively will be key.
Belgium:
- Kevin De Bruyne (CM): The creative maestro of the Belgian team. If he can control the midfield and unlock the French defence with his pinpoint passes, Belgium will have a significant advantage.
- Romelu Lukaku (ST): Belgium’s all-time leading scorer needs to rediscover his finishing touch. His physical presence and ability to hold up the ball will be vital for Belgium’s attacking play.