France’s pressure is the thread I keep coming back to in this rematch. In Brussels, they worked the ball into wide areas and made Belgium defend for long stretches, even though the winner came from Olise’s late run. Belgium’s midfield will look different this time, and that matters more to me than the score of its most recent win.
Doué and Barcola helped France get around Belgium’s shape in the first meeting. Zidane then changed several starters against Italy, but France again spent long spells on the ball and needed Olise’s free kick to score. Their recent goals have come from moments of skill rather than a steady flow of finished chances.
Belgium’s win over Turkey showed several ways to attack, but De Bruyne scored twice and played a central role in the passing moves. Turkey made chances of its own despite the score. UEFA’s squad list for this match omits both De Bruyne and Tielemans, leaving Van Bommel to rebuild the link between midfield and the forwards that was so prominent in that win.
