The France team faces Belgium to close the rally of the Zinédine Zidane era

The der. After having already played three matches (2 wins and 1 draw), the Blues will complete this first rally of the Zinédine Zidane era against Belgium this Monday evening, again on the Stade de France meadow. Kick-off at 8:45 p.m. for this part of the fourth day of the Nations League, broadcast by TF1 and to be followed live with commentary on our site.

What happened in the first leg between the two teams?

After an inaugural success in Türkiye (0-1), Zinédine Zidane's Blues continued in Belgium (0-1) on Monday during the second day. Narrow victory, thanks to a gem from Michael Olise, but so logical. And above all, encouraging and exciting. Despite nine changes in the 11 and therefore little experience at kick-off, the Tricolores played attractive and fresh football, right in line with what the new coach wants. A game that we did not find on Friday evening, already in Saint-Denis, during the sad draw against Italy (1-1), during the third day.

Also read The notes of the Blues in Belgium: Da Cunha omnipresent, Doué brilliant and Lepaul frustrating

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Note that the Belgians are second in the standings of group A1 with one point less than the French leader, they who won their two other matches, in Italy (0-2) and against Turkey (3-0). To follow on the Belgium side, Parisian winger Mika Godts, who was very good in the match against France.

Since when did Belgium not beat France?

An eternity. The Red Devils remain on six losses against the Blues, including the famous round of 16 of the 2018 World Cup (1-0). The last Belgian success against France dates back to Sunday June 7, 2015, in a friendly, at the Stade de France. Led by Marc Wilmots, the visitors led 4-1 thanks to a double from Marouane Fellaini and goals from Radja Nainggolan and Eden Hazard. Mathieu Valbuena scored the 1-3 goal, before seeing Nabil Fekir and Dimitri Payet reduce the gap at the very end of the match, in vain.

“Belgium played very well against Turkey (3-0), it’s a team that undertakes, knows how to do things,” explains Zidane. We managed to win there (0-1, last Monday), by adapting tactically. She can put any team in difficulty. Collectively and individually. (De Bruyne's suspension) It's not a relief, I would have preferred him to be there. Everyone wants to see football. Other players will take over. I know we will have a difficult match. »

Who will be missing?

As for the French team, Zinédine Zidane will have to cope without Kylian Mbappé, injured in Turkey (0-1), and Dayot Upamecano, suspended after his expulsion against Italy (1-1). Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans, suspended, will be missing from the Red Devils.

Also read France-Italy: Ousmane Dembélé, failed again

Which Blue will play the biggest against Belgium?

We will wait for a reaction from Ousmane Dembélé, still disappointing in the draw against Italy on Friday. And this is too often the case in selection… The Golden Ball can and must do better, especially in the absence of “KM”. Big winner of this gathering so far, Jérémy Jacquet will, perhaps, have the opportunity to continue to score points. His pivotal partner, Maxence Lacroix or Ibrahima Konaté, should not be missed in the absence of Dayot Upamecano... On the left, there is a place to be taken between Adrien Truffert and Andy Diouf. We will also be attentive to the choices of “ZZ” in the middle, a real construction site. Last but not least, Esteban Lepaul must do better than in Brussels.

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What composition for the Blues?

That's the big question. Asked about his choices, Zidane admitted his desire to continue to make turnovers. “There will be changes, that’s for sure. This is our fourth game. You don't have to do anything either. It’s nice to be able to use everyone. We are going to make intelligent changes to remain competitive. » In this little game, the final setup at Clairefontaine on Sunday at the end of the day revealed nothing special. As usual, “ZZ” and his staff cover their tracks.