In a video released by the French Football Federation, Didier Deschamps said on Wednesday that his players would have to be “at their most motivated” to face Belgium in the last 16 of Euro-2024 in Düsseldorf next Monday. According to Deschamps, Belgium “are one of the great teams” of the tournament.
“Their group was also very tight, with everyone finishing on four points. We know each other well, so it will be a great round of 16 for us, as well as for them”, added the French coach.
The last two meetings between the two nations have left the Belgians with bad memories. In 2018, France eliminated the Red Devils in the semi-finals of the World Cup in Russia (1-0) thanks to a solid defence.
In 2021, Les Bleus eliminated them again in the semi-finals of the Nations League, overcoming a two-goal deficit to win 3-2. On each occasion, Deschamps’ team won the competition.
“We watched their three matches and obviously the last one against Ukraine. They always have individual talent, especially up front with De Bruyne, Lukaku, Doku and Trossard. If they’re second, it’s because they’ve also had their difficulties, but potentially they’re one of the very good teams who have the ambition to go far”, explained the French coach.