Kylian Mbappé is up against Kevin De Bruyne when France take on Belgium in an intriguing last-16 duel between teams that have however largely underachieved so far at Euro 2024.
On paper, France will be favourites because they have won all four previous meetings at big events. They include a 1-0 semi-final win at the 2018 World Cup, and a 5-0 drubbing in the Euro 1984 group stage - Les Bleus later lifting the trophy on both occasions.
Belgium unfazed by poor record
But Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco said that "we go to win. We are here and qualified for this Euros to be part of the best teams.
"Now, we face a top team, that’s why we qualified, otherwise we could stay at home. These are the games we’re looking for, and everything is possible."
Both have trouble scoring
Belgium may like that France are yet to find the net from open play in 270 minutes at these Euros, their only goals being an Mbappe penalty in a 1-1 draw against Poland and a Maximilian Wöber own goal inn their 1-0 win over Austria.
But then again, Belgium have also only netted twice themselves, from Youri Tielemans and De Bruyne in their 2-0 victory against Romania.
Romelu Lukaku has had three goals disallowed upon review and been wasteful as well, including on Wednesday in the 0-0 draw against Ukraine, after which the team was jeered off the pitch by their fans in Stuttgart.
Tightrope act against Ukraine
Their progression hung on a bare thread as they almost paid for early missed opportunities because Ukraine threatened late twice and would have progressed at Belgium's expense had they scored.
"We knew today, we couldn't fail," Tedesco said.
"The message was clear, we wanted to play and try to win. The players tried everything. We can score earlier, we can score more, then many things are easier. I'm proud of my team because they did well at the end – if you concede one goal, you are out.
"This group was tougher than many thought. On paper, you can be favourites, but you have to play the games and these teams have absolutely nothing to lose. They play from in behind, they can lose the ball. They also have quality players, we don’t have any small teams."
Belgium advance from tough group
Belgium survived in second place in a Group E where all four teams finished tied on four points, separated only by goal difference through which Romania were top ahead of Belgium, Slovakia and unlucky Ukraine.
A goal on Wednesday would have spared Belgium the date with France who also only finished second in Group D, behind surprise side Austria and ahead of the Netherlands and eliminated Poland.
France expect to improve
Mbappé is back from a nose fracture but Les Bleus are yet to live up to their status as top title favourites. The World Cup runners-up will face a difficult task against their northern neighbours, but coach Didier Deschamps is upbeat.
"The impressions from the group stage don't mean much in the knockout phase. Now it's do or die. Big opponents are coming up," he said.
