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Xtra Time Web Desk: As the European Championship heats up, two football giants are set to collide in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. France and Belgium, both grappling with their own challenges, face off in the knockout stages in Duesseldorf on 1^st July 2024.

France, traditionally a powerhouse in international football, finds itself in an unexpected predicament. Their much-vaunted attack is suffering from a crisis of confidence, and coach Didier Deschamps, usually the epitome of stability, seems uncertain about his next move. The French forward line has struggled to find the net, with their only goals in the group stage coming from a Kylian Mbappe penalty and an Austrian own goal. This lack of firepower has raised serious concerns ahead of their clash with Belgium.

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One of the most anticipated aspects of this showdown is the face-off between two of football’s biggest stars: Kylian Mbappe and Romelu Lukaku. The clash between these titans has generated extreme hype, as fans eagerly await to see them battle it out on the pitch. Both players have a point to prove, and their performance will be pivotal in determining the outcome of the match.

Deschamps faces a critical decision: should he restore Antoine Griezmann to the starting lineup alongside Mbappe? Griezmann, a long-time stalwart for the French team, was benched in their last match, a 1-1 draw with Poland that saw Austria unexpectedly top Group D.

Belgium’s journey to the knockout stages has been equally tumultuous. Despite securing progress with a draw against Ukraine, the team faced an astonishingly hostile reaction from their own supporters. The loud barracking from fans has forced the team to close ranks and seek motivation from within.

Captain Kevin De Bruyne has taken the criticism personally, and his attitude will be crucial in rallying the team. Striker Romelu Lukaku, with an impressive record of 85 goals for Belgium, has yet to score in Euro 2024. His inability to find the net in major tournaments is a significant concern, and Belgium will be counting on him to rediscover his scoring touch against France.

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The matchup between Belgium and France is steeped in history. Their first international encounter dates back 120 years to a 3-3 draw in Brussels. In 75 past meetings, Belgium leads with 30 wins to France's 26, but France has claimed victory in their last two encounters: the 2018 World Cup semi-final in St. Petersburg and the 2021 Nations League semi-final in Turin.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams. The winner of Monday’s clash at the Duesseldorf Arena will advance to the quarter-finals to face either Portugal or Slovenia. With both France and Belgium looking to shake off their first-round blues, this match is set to be a spectacular display of football prowess and determination. Don't miss the action as these two footballing giants go head-to-head in a battle for European glory.