This world cup is just crazy. All the major teams that most people had expected to make a smooth sail until quarter final did not make it. France and Belgium will meet today in what could be a great contest.
Les Blues are the bookmakers’ tip to win the competition after ousting South American pair Argentina and Uruguay in the knock-out stage. The Red Devils meanwhile have the only 100% record in the tournament and saw off Brazil in the quarter-finals in impressive fashion.
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In players such as Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Paul Pogba, these sides boast some of the world’s most devastating attacking players.
But their managers utilize the quality at their disposal in different ways. France boss Didier Deschamps – who is aiming to emulate Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer by winning the World Cup as both a player and manager – has often been criticised for failing to get the most out of his squad.
Functionality, rather than flair, has been the key so far in Russia. They needed a late own goal in their opening match against Australia, edged past Peru 1-0 in their second, then played out a dull goalless draw with Denmark.
These are three key contests to look forward in the coming match.
N’Golo Kante vs Kevin de Bruyne
Raphael Varane vs Eden Hazard
Didier Deschamps vs Roberto Martinez
Projected starting lineup
France: Hugo Lloris; Lucas Hernandez, Samuel Umtiti, Raphael Varane, Benjamin Pavard; N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba; Corentin Tolisso, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe; Olivier Giroud.
Belgium: Thibaut Courtois; Jan Vertonghen, Vincent Kompany, Toby Alderweireld, Thomas Meunier; Nacir Chadli, Axel Witsel, Marouane Fellaini; Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne.
We hope for a thriller tonight. Are you ready?
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