Belgium vs. France: UEFA Nations League Match Preview

Belgium and France will go head-to-head for the second time in a month in a crucial UEFA Nations League match. As two of Europe’s heavyweight teams, this encounter promises a thrilling battle as both aim to solidify their positions in the group standings.

France currently has the upper hand in the group after rebounding from an opening defeat with two consecutive wins, while Belgium has struggled to maintain consistency, slipping from the top spot to third. With three matches left, both teams are fully aware of the stakes involved in this encounter.

Belgium’s Recent Form and Challenges

Belgium displayed a mix of resilience and inconsistency in their 2-2 draw against Italy at the Stadio Olimpico. They were thoroughly outplayed in the first half, trailing 2-0 within the opening 30 minutes and looking vulnerable to further damage. However, a pivotal red card shown to Italy’s Lorenzo Pellegrini completely shifted the dynamic of the game.

Maxim De Cuyper’s quick response brought Belgium back into the contest, followed by a Leandro Trossard equalizer that reignited the team’s hopes of snatching a victory. Belgium was frustrated after appeals for a penalty and a red card to Alessandro Bastoni were ignored, even though Lois Openda appeared to be fouled inside the box. Despite controlling much of the second half, Belgium could not break Italy’s defense and had to settle for a point.

With their group stage campaign at a critical juncture, Belgium knows that every match is vital. They have already beaten Israel, who remain winless, but they now face two strong opponents—France and Italy—on home soil. Sitting just outside the top two, Belgium must use these remaining fixtures to regain momentum and secure qualification to the next phase.

Belgium has become familiar with facing France in recent years. Just last month, they clashed in France, losing 2-0. The two sides also met at the European Championship in the summer, where France eliminated Belgium with a narrow 1-0 win in the last 16. Given France’s historical dominance in these encounters, Belgium will look to flip the script this time.

France’s Recovery and Key Victories

France arrives at this match full of confidence, having comfortably beaten Israel 4-1 in their most recent outing. After a shocking 3-1 home loss to Italy on matchday one, Didier Deschamps’ side has responded with two commanding victories, positioning themselves well in the group standings. The win over Israel was marked by complete dominance, with Israel scoring from their only shot on target. France quickly restored their lead and sealed the win with two late goals, giving them a solid platform ahead of the Belgium fixture.

Deschamps’ team has a psychological edge, having outperformed Belgium in multiple recent tournaments. Not only did they win 2-0 in their Nations League meeting last month, but they also prevailed 3-2 in the 2021 Nations League semifinals, despite initially trailing by two goals. Additionally, France defeated Belgium in the 2018 World Cup semifinals, a match that has lingered in Belgian minds as a missed opportunity.

France’s strong position in the current group table gives them some breathing room. Another win against Belgium would all but guarantee them a top-two finish, especially since they still have a home fixture against Israel in the coming weeks. This match offers the perfect opportunity for France to maintain momentum and keep their campaign on track.

Belgium: Team News and Tactics

Belgium will once again be without some of their biggest names. Romelu Lukaku was not included in the squad, as he remains focused on regaining fitness with Napoli after missing much of preseason. The absence of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois continues due to an ongoing dispute with manager Domenico Tedesco, although Courtois is also sidelined with an injury. To complicate matters, backup goalkeeper Matz Sels was forced to withdraw from the squad with a late injury.

Midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne also remains unavailable, leaving Youri Tielemans as the only remaining member from Belgium’s 2018 World Cup squad. De Bruyne’s absence has forced Tedesco to experiment with different tactical setups. Against Italy, Belgium started with a three-at-the-back formation, though it proved shaky before Pellegrini’s red card altered the game. Despite some early struggles, Tedesco may stick with the system to compensate for their limited midfield depth.

Belgium’s attacking hopes will rest on the shoulders of Lois Openda, Jeremy Doku, and Leandro Trossard. Trossard has been in fine form, scoring in the last match against Italy, while Doku’s pace and Openda’s clinical finishing could cause problems for France’s defense.

Predicted Belgium Lineup:
Casteels; Castagne, Debast, Faes, Theate, De Cuyper; Tielemans, Mangala; Trossard, Openda, Doku

France: Team News and Tactical Adjustments

France also has significant absentees for this match. Kylian Mbappé, who was initially called up, had to withdraw after a recent injury setback. Antoine Griezmann, a mainstay in France’s attack for years, has announced his international retirement following his omission from the starting lineup in recent games. N’Golo Kanté is another high-profile player missing, having been left out of the squad after sitting out his club’s most recent match in Saudi Arabia.

Despite these challenges, Deschamps has a deep talent pool to draw from. He may opt for a more balanced approach by reverting to a three-man midfield, bringing Matteo Guendouzi and Bradley Barcola into the starting eleven. Barcola made a strong impression with a goal off the bench against Israel and could be rewarded with a starting role.

France’s defense, anchored by Ibrahima Konaté and William Saliba, will be crucial in dealing with Belgium’s fast-paced attackers. In midfield, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni are expected to form the core, providing both defensive cover and creative impetus.

Predicted France Lineup:
Maignan; Kounde, Konate, Saliba, T Hernandez; Tchouameni, Camavinga, Guendouzi; Olise, Kolo Muani, Barcola

Tactical Battle and Key Matchups

This matchup presents an intriguing tactical contest. Both teams may opt for three-at-the-back systems, creating a chess-like encounter where individual brilliance could make the difference. France’s midfielders, particularly Camavinga and Tchouaméni, will look to control possession and disrupt Belgium’s rhythm, while Belgium’s wide players—Doku and De Cuyper—could be pivotal in creating opportunities on the break.

A key battle will take place between France’s defense and Belgium’s pacey forwards. If Konaté and Saliba can neutralize the threat posed by Openda and Doku, France will have a strong chance of coming out on top. However, Belgium’s ability to exploit transitions could expose France’s defensive line, especially if Hernandez or Kounde push too far forward.

Set pieces may also play a significant role, given the aerial prowess of both teams. Belgium’s defenders, particularly Faes and Theate, will be threats from corners and free-kicks, while France will look to Kolo Muani to exploit any defensive lapses in the Belgian backline.

Prediction

This match promises to be a closely fought contest, with both teams having much at stake. Belgium will be desperate to avenge their recent defeats to France and maintain their chances of advancing from the group. On the other hand, France’s recent form and psychological advantage make them slight favorites.

Ultimately, the outcome may hinge on who can better manage the absences of key players and capitalize on key moments. France’s recent experience in tight games and their greater depth may give them the edge.

Prediction: Belgium 1-2 France