France vs. Belgium Predictions

Prediction, Odds & Betting Tips for France vs. Belgium at EURO 2024

Where: Merkur Spiel-Arena, Dusseldorf, Germany
When: Tuesday, July 2, 12:00 AM

The absolute derby of the Round of 16 is between France and Belgium, and we expect nothing short of fireworks here. The stakes are high and both teams are under pressure because of their mediocre performances in the group stage. France came as the top favorite but now, we wonder if they still hold that status. Belgium is suffering because of Romelu Lukaku who is playing beneath any expected level.

France vs. Belgium Preview

France

France’s record at this EURO is a win over Austria in the opener and two ties in a row after that. We need to add that the Gauls didn’t deserve to beat the Austrian unit and that after that, none of their matches were pleasant to see.

The selfishness of the attackers, primarily Thuram and Dembele, and Mbappe’s lack of focus are the primary reasons why this team didn’t post better results. It’s not about the defense nor the midfield, with these two lines doing their job correctly.

Deschamps needs to find a way to regain control over his forwards, or his team might lose already in the first knockout stage. His least worry is Mbappe, who, even though he misses chances, is there and gives his best knowing that he has a nose injury.

Belgium

When talking about missed chances, Romelu Lukaku is out of the competition. The big guy not only manages to ruin perfect scoring opportunities but even when he finds the back of the net, those goals are canceled.

By far he is the main generator of all the problems in the Belgian team, and there’s no debate about that. If he scored half or even the third of chances at this EURO, the Devils would easily win the top spot in their group.

A positive thing is back-to-back clean sheets following an opening loss, which brings us to four meetings in the recent five in which Belgium didn’t allow a single goal.

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France and Belgium Possible Lineups

France: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Kante, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud

Belgium: Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate; Tielemans, Onana; Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard; Lukaku

France vs Belgium Head to Head

France was better than Belgium in the previous two meetings, both of them being in the semifinals. In 2018, it was the World Cup, 1-0, and in 2021, the UEFA Nations League, 3-2.

France vs. Belgium Predictions

France has better odds of winning this one because of their previous results at big competitions and more stars on the roster; other than that, when looking at the performances at the EURO, there’s no difference between these two units. Now, this might sound crazy, but we will pick Belgium not to lose during 90 minutes, meaning their win or a tie. The reason for this is that they have no pressure, and at some point, Lukaku needs to start delivering. This is a perfect chance for him. We don’t see why the Gauls are such big favorites, and we have to bet on this double chance.

Our verdict: Belgium or draw