France vs Belgium Prediction & Match Preview

France vs Belgium Prediction

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

France to finally deliver the goods at the Euro

France are back-to-back World Cup finalists and it is very hard to bet against them in the knockout stage. This was the first time in Didier Deschamps’ 12-year tenure that Les Bleus have failed to top their group at a major tournament.

France are undefeated in six straight fixtures in all competitions. They’ve only conceded one goal in the last five affairs along the way.

Belgium have been quite disappointing in the group stage. They started with a shocking 0-1 defeat at the hands of Slovakia.

The second-round outing against Romania revealed some weaknesses in the Belgian defence despite a 2-0 win, while the goalless stalemate against Ukraine showcased the team’s lack of attacking output.

France have won each of the last two meetings with Belgium, a run that involves a 1-0 victory in the 2018 World Cup semi-final. We see the value in backing France to win at the 1.90 odds as the main betting option here.

A low-scoring scenario expected

Several important factors point towards a low-scoring scenario on Monday in Dusseldorf. Belgium have been playing ultra-defensive football under Domenico Tedesco. None of their three games so far at the Euro saw three or more goals scored, including a subpar goalless stalemate to Ukraine on Wednesday.

Equally, none of France’s three matches in this tournament have seen three or more goals scored. The Les Bleus conceded only one goal in the previous five outings across competitions. Four of the previous six head-to-head outings between these counterparts finished with fewer than three goals scored.

Thus, the Under 2.5 goals bet is paid at the 1.66 odds.

Steffen Schmidt- June 28, 2024

France vs Belgium Betting Tips

France to win

OK

1.90 Odds

Under 2.5 goals

OK

1.60 Odds

Correct Score: France 1-0

OK

6.00 Odds