Despite their respective doubts, France is favored against Belgium, and Portugal is a heavy favorite against Slovenia in the Round of 16 matches of Euro 2024 on Monday.
France has problems with offensive efficiency: they have only scored two goals, one an own goal by an Austrian (1-0), and the other a penalty. Their offensive leaders are not in great form. Kylian Mbappé, who converted the penalty against Poland (1-1) and caused the own goal, missed a match after breaking his nose and has to play with a mask that slightly impairs his vision. Antoine Griezmann missed big chances and even started the third group match against Poland on the bench.
The lack of finishing in front of the goal “was problematic in the group stage, we won’t hide that,” admits Mbappé, “but a new competition starts, sudden death, we really have to capitalize on our chances tomorrow (Monday).” “It’s important that it doesn’t stay in the players’ heads,” insists the French superstar. “The most important thing is to create chances, and of course, we have to take them.”
The ‘Trap’ of Being the Favorite
However, the Belgian attack is not in great form either. The Red Devils have only scored two goals against Romania (2-0), and their striker Romelu Lukaku is still goalless, with three goals disallowed by VAR. The Belgians are even at odds with their fans, who booed them after the dull 0-0 draw with Ukraine that secured their qualification. “Case closed,” responds coach Domenico Tedesco. “Fans have the right to express their opinion as they wish, just as we have the right to express our disappointment. The fans know we will need them” against France. He adds, “We are not the favorites, that’s clear.” “But this underdog position suits me perfectly,” adds captain Kevin De Bruyne. French defender Ibrahima Konaté sees a “trap” set by the Red Devils. “They are trying to put all the pressure on us. But there are no favorites. It’s 50-50,” he adds.
Portugal is more clearly favored against Slovenia, who will play their first-ever knockout match in a major competition. They were eliminated in the group stage in their previous high-level international appearances, the 2002 and 2010 World Cups and Euro 2000.
England Was Very Scared
But Slovenia, who qualified with three draws, like Denmark in their group and like Portugal when they won Euro 2016, has nothing to lose. Behind their two strong men, Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak and RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, even though he has not scored yet at the Euro, they dream of upsetting the hierarchy. The Portuguese are much better equipped with their star-studded squad, from the defensive pairing of Ruben Dias and the “old” Pepe (41 years old) to Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leao in attack, not to mention Bruno Fernandes and Parisian Vitinha. But superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is as silent as Lukaku and Griezmann. The irreplaceable captain, 39, has not scored for the first time in three group matches, having played in all major competitions since Euro 2004. In short, for a potential France-Portugal showdown, with Mbappé against CR7, in the next round, both European giants must confirm their supposed superiority.
Two quarter-final matchups are already known, Germany vs. Spain and Switzerland vs. England. The “Three Lions” were very scared against Slovakia on Sunday (2-1 a.e.t.), with Jude Bellingham’s stunning equalizer in the dying minutes. Spain also had a scare, trailing against Georgia before turning it around with four goals (4-1). Spain has no problem with efficiency.
With AFP
