Reigning world champions France take on Belgium in the semi-final of the UEFA Nations League 2020-21 at Juventus Stadium in Italy on Friday, October 8. The match will kick off at 12:15 AM IST.
Didier Deschamps’ team has not enjoyed the best of form of late. Following their exit from the round of 16 of UEFA Euro 2020 at hands of Switzerland, the team has won just one of their last three World Cup qualifying matches.
Belgium, on the contrary, have been scoring goals for fun. Following their run at the Euros, the Red Devils have played three matches, scoring nine goals while conceding just two.
Still the world’s top team in the FIFA rankings, Belgium have lost just two of their last 30 matches and one of those two defeats came in their Nations League campaign a year ago when goals from Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount guided England to a narrow 2-1 win.
Judging by the form Belgium are in - five wins in their last six matches - it is safe to say that they are likely to beat France, who have won just one of their last six matches.
The head-to-head between the teams sees Belgium just shade this fixture, having won it 30 times besides succumbing to 25 defeats and playing out 19 draws.
Meanwhile, both teams have decided to make several changes for this match. For Belgium, the likes of Dries Mertens, Christian Benteke and Divock Origi will be absent. As far as France are concerned, N’Golo Kante is unavailable after testing positive for Covid-19 while in a surprise exclusion, veteran striker Olivier Giroud has been left out of the French squad too.
The winner of this semi-final will face the winners of Italy’s clash with Spain in the other UEFA Nations League semi-final.
Belgium squad for UEFA Nations League semi-final
Goalkeepers: Koen Casteels, Thibaut Courtois, Simon Mignolet
Defenders: Toby Alderweireld, Dedryck Boyata, Timothy Castagne, Jason Denayer, Thomas Meunier, Jan Vertonghen
Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne, Leander Dendoncker, Thorgan Hazard, Alexis Saelemaekers, Youri Tielemans, Hans Vanaken, Axel Witsel
Forwards: Michy Batshuayi, Yannick Carrasco, Charles De Ketelaere, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Dodi Lukebakio, Leandro Trossard
France squad for UEFA Nations League semi-final
Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris, Mike Maignan, Benoit Costil
Defenders: Lucas Digne, Leo Dubois, Lucas Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, Jules Kounde, Benjamin Pavard, Dayot Upamecano, Raphael Varane
Midfielders: Matteo Guendouzi, Theo Hernandez, Paul Pogba, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jordan Veretout
Forwards: Wissam Ben Yedder, Karim Benzema, Moussa Diaby, Antoine Griezmann, Anthony Martial, Kylian Mbappe
Where to watch Belgium vs France UEFA Nations League 2020-21 match live in India?
Belgium vs France UEFA Nations League 2020-21 semi-final match will be telecast live from 12:15 AM IST on Sony Sports Network TV channels in India, on Friday, October 8.
Live streaming of the Belgium vs France UEFA Nations League 2020-21 match will be available on SonyLIV and JioTV.
