Things are getting serious. In a few hours, at the Düsseldorf Arena, Didier Deschamps’ Les Bleus will challenge Domenico Tedesco’s Belgium for a place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. A clash between two nations that have, until now, experienced many difficulties in the game. Second in its group at the end of the group stage, the French team did not particularly shine, especially in the offensive sector. From then on, the coach of the vice-world champions should opt for a few changes to his starting eleven, starting with the tactical organization.
Thus, against the Red Devils, France should present itself in 4-3-1-2. In goal, Mike Maignan will logically be aligned and protected by a defensive quartet composed of Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba and Théo Hernandez. In midfield, Adrien Rabiot and N’Golo Kanté should accompany Aurélien Tchouaméni, present in a sentinel role. Finally, on the attack front, Antoine Griezmann is expected to make his return and thus support an attacking duo formed by Marcus Thuram and the inevitable Kylian Mbappé, masked captain of this formation.
Tactical change for the Blues, classic on the Belgian side?
For his part, Domenico Tedesco is not expected to make a revolution despite an equally chaotic group stage. Defeated by Slovakia before recovering against Romania and conceding a sad draw against Ukraine, the Belgians are expected to play in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Very solid since the start of the competition, Koen Casteels, Wolfsburg’s last bulwark, is expected in the flat country’s goal. In defense, Arthur Theate and Timothy Castagne will feed the wings while Jan Vertonghen and Wout Faes are expected in the axis.
In midfield, Amadou Onana should be associated with Lyon’s Orel Mangala, preferred to Youri Tielemans for this clash. Just in front of this double pivot, the X factor of this selection, Kévin De Bruyne, is expected in a playmaker role. Finally, Jérémy Doku and Dodi Lukebakio should accompany Romelu Lukaku, alone up front. So many stars present on the Düsseldorf pitch for a clash at the top and a strong stake: a qualification for the quarter-finals.
