It’s France’s turn! Midway through the Round of 16 of Euro 2024, Les Bleus take the stage against Belgium this Monday. It’s one of the standout clashes of this round. If Didier Deschamps’ men qualify, they will meet the winner of Portugal vs. Slovenia, the second match of the day (Beirut time).
7:00 PM: France vs. Belgium
“This is a new competition starting.” This phrase has become the mantra for the French team before they face Belgium at 7 PM on Monday in what is the most high-profile match of the Euro 2024 Round of 16. Didier Deschamps, William Saliba, Ibrahima Konaté, Eduardo Camavinga: all have repeated it in the past few days, clinging to it as a lifeline after a disappointing group stage (one win and two goals scored – one own goal and one penalty – in three matches), raising doubts about the French team’s ability to go far in this competition.
10:00 PM: Portugal vs. Slovenia
European champions in 2016, Portugal entered Euro 2024 as outsiders. So far, Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates have lived up to their status. The Portuguese finished first in their group with two wins and one inconsequential loss. After winning their first match 2-1 against the Czech Republic, Roberto Martinez’s players easily defeated Turkey 3-0. In the last match against Georgia, the Portugal coach rotated his squad to rest his players and give substitutes a chance. In the Round of 16 of this European Championship, Portugal faces Slovenia. Third in their group, Slovenia recorded three consecutive draws: 1-1 against Denmark, 1-1 against Serbia, and 0-0 against England. No wins, but rather convincing performances for this small footballing nation. The last time Slovenia participated in a European Championship was in 2000.
