France and Belgium meet on Monday at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Düsseldorf in the round of 16 of the European Championship. The French team, the big favourites to win the tournament, finished second in their group against all odds after beating Austria and drawing with the Netherlands and Poland. The same happened to Belgium, led by Kevin de Bruyne, a team that has been weakened by the withdrawal of Hazard and the absence of Courtois, but which was the favourite to lead its group. However, the Belgian team stumbled against Slovakia, beat Romania and drew with Ukraine, results that relegated it to second place in Group E. For this match, the French coach, Didier Deschamps, has Griezmann back as a starter: Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Theo; Kanté, Tchouaméni, Rabiot; Griezmann, Thuram and Mbappé. The team that wins this afternoon will face the winner of the match between Portugal and Slovenia in the quarter-finals, which will be played today at 9:00 p.m.
De Bruyne, the soul of Belgium
The City playmaker is the best footballer in a Belgium that needs to improve a lot in its performance to defeat a team like France.
Carrasco, a starter for Belgium
Belgium will play against France with the following eleven: Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate; Onana, Openda, Doku; De Bruyne, Carrasco and Lukaku.
Kanté, France’s best player
The midfielder has been France’s best player at this European Championship.
Griezmann, again starter with France
France will play with this starting eleven in the duel against Belgium: Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Theo Hernández; Kanté, Tchouaméni, Rabiot; Griezmann, Thuram and Mbappé.
France-Belgium, an attractive round of 16 duel
World Cup runners-up France face Belgium in a tight and exciting last-16 clash. France is hoping for the best Mbappé, while Belgium is hoping for a Lukaku comeback. Welcome to this live match that promises to be full of emotions.
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