France - Belgium predictions and free betting tips [01/07/2024]

On Monday, 1 July, at 1/8 finals of Euro 2024, France's national team will go head-to-head with Belgium. Both sides failed to impress during the group stage, leaving fans on edge about this upcoming clash. The winner of this encounter will face either Portugal or Slovenia in the next round.

Predicted Lineups

France: Maignan, Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez, Kante, Tchouameni, Dembele, Griezmann, Rabiot, Mbappe. 

The French team is set to play with an optimal squad. Kingsley Coman left the camp last week for the birth of his child but has rejoined the team. Konate started training with the group a day before the match and is ready, though unlikely to start. After breaking his nose against Austria, Mbappe missed the Dutch clash but returned to score his 48th goal for the national team against Poland. Though not in top form, Giroud and Griezmann might remain benched, while Dembele, criticised after the first two matches, showed his worth by winning a penalty for Mbappe.

Currently, Ousmane Dembele is tied with Doku as the top dribbler of the tournament. Barcola, who started on the left flank against Poland, performed well but might not start again. Marcus Thuram, who was benched last week, should return to the attack. The defence, comprising Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, and Theo Hernandez, is set, and goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who saved a Lewandowski penalty, remains unblemished during the group stage. Didier Deschamps is expected to stick with his favoured 4-4-2 formation, placing Kante and Tchouameni in central midfield.

Belgium: Casteels, Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate, Tielemans, Onana, Doku, De Bruyne, Carrasco, Lukaku.

Lookman returns to Belgium's starting XI following his suspension against Ukraine. Coach Domenico Tedesco still faces issues with defensive squad selection as Meunier and Witsel remain injured and doubtful for the match. Vanaken, Saelemaekers, and Batshuayi were not called up by the coaching staff. On the bright side, Belgium relies on top forwards like Lukaku (Roma) and Openda (RB Leipzig), along with a robust midfield featuring De Bruyne (Manchester City), Tielemans (Aston Villa), and Onana (Everton).

Trossard (Arsenal) has been less active, unlike Jeremy Doku (Manchester City) on the opposite flank. Note that centre-back Wout Faes is one yellow card away from suspension and needs to proceed with caution.

Stadium

The match will be held in Düsseldorf at Merkur Spiel-Arena.

France

Euro 2024's group stage was a mixed bag for France, a tournament favourite. Didier Deschamps' men struggled to a narrow win over Austria (1-0) before a frustrating goalless draw with the Netherlands, squandering multiple scoring chances. On Tuesday, they ceded group leadership to Austria after Lewandowski's retaken penalties led to another draw (1-1). Maignan moving off his line too early allowed the Barcelona striker to level the score.

This setback placed France in a tougher knockout bracket. While Rangnick's Austria faces Turkey, France may encounter Portugal, Germany, and Spain on the way to the final. Notably, Les Bleus' single goal conceded in the group stage ranks as the second-best defensive record, only behind Spain’s clean sheet tally.

Belgium

Belgium, once a world leader from 2016 to 2020 as FIFA's top-ranked team, still chases its maiden international trophy. Tedesco's men were shocked by Slovakia in their opening group match (0-1) but rebounded to win the second against Romania (2-0). Their final group game ended in a goalless draw against Ukraine, securing their knockout berth.

The Red Devils opted for a defensive approach in the second half. However, scoring remains a concern, with just two goals in the group stage, better only than Serbia’s single tally. During qualifiers, Belgium topped their group, remaining undefeated against Austria and Sweden. Like France, they played two friendlies to prep for Euro 2024, winning 3-0 against Luxembourg and 2-0 against Montenegro. Belgium's resilient form, losing just once in their last 18 matches, sets a strong precedent.

Head-to-Head

These teams have met 75 times, with Belgium winning 30 to France’s 25. Didier Deschamps' men clinched the latest encounters—World Cup 2018 semi-final (1-0) and Nations League semi-final (3-2) in 2021.

France vs. Belgium Match Prediction

Despite both teams boasting stellar attacking talent, neither shined in the group stage. Belgium was fortunate not to finish fourth, narrowly avoiding elimination. Didier Deschamps' squad is likely better equipped to handle the pressure and succeed thanks to their vast experience. My prediction is a victory for Les Bleus.

Total Goals Prediction

With both sides scoring just two goals each in this Euro, a high-scoring game seems unlikely. France will play defensively, and Belgium appears less fortunate in finishing chances. My bet is on a total goals under 2.5.

Corners Prediction

Expect an abundance of corners due to both teams’ blistering wing play leading to numerous crosses. My bet is on the total corners over 9.5.

Yellow Cards Prediction

With players giving their all, expect numerous fierce tackles and contests. My bet is on total yellow cards over 3.5.

Score Prediction

I predict a 1-0 victory for France.