Two old rivals reconvene on Monday evening, as France host Belgium in their second UEFA Nations League fixture of the new season. While Les Bleus lost at home to Italy on Group 2's opening night, the Red Devils claimed maximum points ahead of their trip to Lyon.
Though France seized the lead inside 13 seconds of their Nations League opener, at home to Italy on Friday night, they eventually finished up empty-handed, having been undone by a resurgent Azzurri. In-form forward Bradley Barcola recorded his nation's fastest-ever goal, but Italy equalised in spectacular style and the two teams were level at half time.
France then conceded twice more after the break, ultimately losing at home to their Italian counterparts for the first time in 70 years. After a sub-par showing at Euro 2024, long-serving coach Didier Deschamps was expected to produce a convincing performance for the Parisian public, but he is now under pressure to avoid defeat against another of Les Bleus' neighbours.
Deschamps was in charge for a French victory in the 2021 Nations League finals, but his team finished a distant third in their group last time around, accruing only five points from six games. Under UEFA's new format for 2024-25, the nation that finishes bottom of each League A group will be automatically demoted, while third-placed teams must take part in a relegation playoff.
Only the top pair in Group 2 will qualify for a new quarter-final stage, so France are already three points adrift of their main rivals and cannot afford to slip further behind.
Joining Italy at the top of the very early Group 2 table, Belgium saw off Israel on neutral territory to take all three points from their opening match. Inspired by captain Kevin De Bruyne, the Red Devils won 3-1 in Hungary, where the game was played due to security concerns.
After De Bruyne bagged a brace, he turned down the chance to complete his hat-trick with a penalty, and Lois Openda could even afford to miss from the spot as Youri Tielemans had also scored earlier in an open second half. Now, Domenico Tedesco's side will seek revenge for their tame exit from Euro 2024, which came at the hands of France just two months ago.
Ultimately, Tedesco is hoping to turn the page on his first tournament in charge and ensure Belgium secure a top-two spot in their Nations League group, before looking towards the 2026 World Cup. The Belgians were unable to reach the last Nations League finals, and improving on their best placing of fourth overall - recorded back in 2021 - would show they are on the right track.
France's Lineup Shakeup
After Michael Olise was called up for the first time, having impressed at the Olympics as France claimed a silver medal, the Bayern Munich winger started on Friday and will now vie with Ousmane Dembele to keep his place. Didier Deschamps also brought Bradley Barcola into Les Bleus' lineup against Italy - and to great effect - but has otherwise kept faith with most of his Euro 2024 team; free agent Adrien Rabiot and Inter Milan defender Benjamin Pavard were both dropped, though.
After conceding three goals, Jules Kounde and Dayot Upamecano are candidates for promotion from the bench, while Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani are among the hosts' alternative attacking options. In addition to the self-imposed absence of Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who has a longstanding rift with Domenico Tedesco, Belgium will again be missing all-time top scorer Romelu Lukaku on Monday, as the new Napoli signing has been rested.
Veteran defender Jan Vertonghen has retired from international football, while Arsenal's Leandro Trossard was not selected, as Tedesco offered some younger players a chance to impress against Israel: Maxim De Cuyper, Celtic new boy Arne Engels and Borussia Dortmund teenager Julien Duranville all made an appearance. Without Lukaku available, Manchester City pair Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku will again join forces in support of lone striker Lois Openda up front.
France's Rotation Strategy
With a busy season ahead for Real Madrid, France manager Didier Deschamps is taking a proactive approach to managing the workload of Kylian Mbappe, opting to rest him for the Belgium match. This move has sparked discussions among fans and experts alike, with some praising the decision as a smart way to conserve the star striker's energy for club commitments, while others question the impact of leaving such a vital player on the bench.
The decision to rest Mbappe is particularly significant considering France's recent struggles, having lost to Italy in their opening Nations League fixture. Deschamps is clearly aiming to balance the need for a strong performance against Belgium with the long-term well-being of his key player. It remains to be seen if this strategy will pay off, but it's a bold move that highlights the challenges faced by international managers in navigating the demands of a demanding club season.
Belgium's Quest for Revenge
Belgium will be looking to exact revenge on France after their disappointing Euro 2024 exit at the hands of Les Bleus. The Red Devils will be motivated to get one over on their rivals and will be hoping to build on their impressive 3-1 win over Israel in their opening Nations League fixture.
Domenico Tedesco's side will be keen to prove that they are a force to be reckoned with and that they are ready to challenge for top honors in the Nations League. The match promises to be a closely fought encounter, with both teams boasting impressive attacking talent and a desire to come out on top. It's a clash of two of Europe's top national teams that should provide plenty of excitement for fans.
The Key Battle
The key battle in this match is likely to be between France's midfield and Belgium's attacking trio of De Bruyne, Doku, and Openda. France will need to be defensively sound and prevent Belgium from getting into dangerous positions. They will also need to find a way to create chances and exploit the gaps in Belgium's defense.
While Belgium is not lacking in firepower, their recent performances have shown a vulnerability at the back, particularly against more dynamic opponents. France, despite their recent stumble against Italy, still possesses a formidable attacking force led by the likes of Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani. It will be a battle of strengths and weaknesses that could ultimately decide the fate of this crucial Nations League encounter.
A Look Ahead
France's decision to rest Mbappe for the Belgium match is a calculated risk that could have significant ramifications for both the short-term and long-term future of the team. It's a move that speaks volumes about the evolving demands of international football and the challenges faced by managers in balancing club and country commitments.
For Belgium, the opportunity to gain revenge on France and solidify their position in the Nations League is a tantalizing prospect. This match has all the ingredients for a captivating encounter, with both teams brimming with talent and motivation. As the two sides prepare to do battle in Lyon, the stage is set for a thrilling contest that could have significant implications for the rest of the Nations League campaign.
