Belgium vs France Prediction: 14/10/2024

Belgium, who finished no higher than fourth in the 2020-2021 Nations League, entered the current international break with mixed results—a 3-1 win over Israel followed by a 2-0 loss to France in the group stage. The Red Devils headed to Italy on Thursday with hopes of improving their standing and moving up in the rankings.

On Monday, they faced France again, the team that knocked them out of the last Euro tournament with a narrow 1-0 defeat in the round of 16. Though Belgium’s international form is not as dominant as in the past decade, the team is aiming to reach the Nations League Final Four, while at the very least trying to avoid finishing last in their group and facing relegation. Belgium will still have two more games in November to wrap up this group stage.

France came into this match following a 2-0 victory over Belgium in September, seeking to carry that momentum into Thursday’s game against Israel, the team seen as the weakest in their group. Didier Deschamps’ team is looking to secure a third win in a row against Belgium. France also participated in Euro 2024, held in Germany, where they were eliminated in the semifinals by Spain, who went on to win the tournament 2-1.

However, the French game plan faced heavy criticism from fans and commentators alike. The current Nations League campaign is important for France as they prepare for the Final Four, a stage they reached and won during the 2020-2021 edition.

Belgium’s once-golden generation is now coming to an end, with key players like Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku moving on from their football or national careers. Lukaku, who currently plays for Napoli and has scored 85 goals in 119 appearances, was left out of Domenico Tedesco’s squad after Euro 2024.

Other key absences include full-back Thomas Meunier (Lille, 67 caps), defender Jan Vertonghen (Anderlecht, 157 caps), who retired from international football after the Euro, and playmaker Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City, 30 goals in 107 caps), who is sidelined due to injury. Although midfielder Amadou Onana (Aston Villa, 19 caps) was called up, he had to withdraw. Players who made the squad include central defenders Wout Faes (Leicester, 21 caps) and Arthur Theate (Frankfurt, 20 caps), midfielder Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa, 72 caps), forward Leandro Trossard (Arsenal, 9 goals in 37 caps), and newcomer Malick Fofana from Olympique Lyonnais.

France, too, had to adapt, as star players Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid, 44 goals in 137 caps) and Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, 48 goals in 86 caps) were absent. Griezmann retired from international duty before this break, while Mbappé, recovering from an injury, was not selected by Deschamps. In addition, Olivier Giroud also stepped down after Euro 2024. Midfielder N’Golo Kanté (Al-Ittihad, 63 caps) was rested due to fitness concerns, and starting center-back Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich, 27 caps) had to withdraw due to injury, being replaced by Loïc Badé (Sevilla FC), who received his first call-up.

Other absentees include Adrien Rabiot (48 caps), who was left out after joining Marseille, and Benjamin Pavard (Inter, 54 caps), who has not featured since the Euro. However, key players like goalkeeper Mike Maignan (AC Milan, 24 caps), defender Jules Koundé (Barcelona, 36 caps), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan, 34 caps), and Ousmane Dembélé (PSG, 6 goals in 51 caps) are present. Additionally, players like Koné (AS Roma, 2 caps), Michael Olise (Bayern, 2 caps), and Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea, 10 caps) are taking advantage of Mbappé’s absence to stake their claim in the squad.

 

Prediction

Despite some unexpected struggles, Belgium now finds itself facing a potential relegation battle after losing 10 of their last 11 games, with just one home victory all season. In contrast, France is aiming for the title and has won seven of their last 10 UEFA Nations League matches.

Prediction: Belgium 0-1 France.