“Will cook today”- Fans excited as Belgium star named in starting line-up at Euro 2024 for first time ahead of knockout clash vs France
Fans were excited to see RB Leipzig star Lois Openda being named in Belgium's starting line-up for their Euro 2024 Round-of-16 clash against France on July 1. The two European giants lock horns at the Dusseldorf Arena for what could be an enthralling last-16 clash.
Manager Domenico Tedesco has named a strong line-up to face Les Bleus. Koen Casteels starts in goal for the Red Devils. Timothy Castagne, Wout Faes, Jan Vertonghen, and Arthur Theate are the four defenders.
Yannick Carrasco, Amadou Onana, and captain Kevin De Bruyne are in the midfield. Jeremy Doku and Openda partner Romelu Lukaku in the attack with Arsenal's Leandro Trossard missing out on the first XI.
Some fans feel Openda's selection is a good choice and expect the Bundesliga forward to have an impressive outing. One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
"Finally Openda starting, he's explosive."
Another fan commented:
"Openda will cook today."
One fan opined:
"Finally Openda."
Another claimed:
"Belgium are finally starting Lois Openda. It's going to be interesting to see."
One wrote:
"It took Belgium's manager this long to start Openda."
Another fan exclaimed:
"Finally Openda starting."
One wrote:
"Surprised we haven't seen more of Openda mate."
Openda, 24, had a spectacular season with Leipzig, scoring 28 goals and providing seven assists in 45 appearances across competitions. He has so far made 18 appearances for Belgium's national team, scoring two goals. Openda has played only seven minutes at Euro 2024 in two appearances.
Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco is relying on belief ahead of Euro 2024 clash against France
Domenico Tedesco is relying on belief for the Euro 2024 clash against France. Belgium haven't shown their best form at the European Championships yet.
However, Tedesco relies on his team and has a belief about how the potential clash would go down. Speaking to the media, he said ahead of the game (via Inside World Football):
"We worked on this belief in the last two or three days because if there's no belief, there is nothing. So we have to believe and everybody knows we need a top day."
France are a force to be reckoned with. However, Belgium have enough talent of their own. Given both teams play at the peak of their abilities, the Euro 2024 showdown promises a stellar watch for the fans.