FIFA World Cup 2018 reaches its climax as the semi-final action will kick-start shortly in Russia. Two mouthwatering matches lie ahead. In the first semi-final France will take on their neighbours Belgium, both these team are in a scintillating form.
Then there is Croatia the only east European side left in the World Cup. They will lock horns against the ever determine England on Wednesday. Don't miss either of the games it promises to be yet another humdinger.
In this article, we will focus on four key duels of the first semi-final clash between France and Belgium.
#Kevin De Bruyne and Kante
De Bruyne is one of the best playmakers in the World at the moment. He is the mainstay in the midfield for Belgium. De Bruyne unsettled Brazil in the quarterfinal with his tremendous speed. He also scored a brilliant goal against Brazil which proved to be decisive in the end.
But his job may not be that easy in the semi-final. He will be up against the Frenchman Kante, who is in a red-hot form in this tournament. Kante is perhaps the best defensive midfielder in Europe. And he will not provide any space for De Bruyne to play freely.
But both of these players are familiar with each other style of game as they both play in the Premier League for their respective side.
#Romelu Lukaku and Raphael Varane
Real’s star Varane is the main player for France in defence. He leads from the front in the defence line. Didier Deschamps side has only conceded three goals on their way to the semi- final. That goes to show the importance of Varane in this French side. Varane has the capability to score goals with his overlapping runs.
He has already scored a brilliant goal against Uruguay in the quarter-final. Varane and Samuel Umtiti is a formidable pair for France and perhaps the best defensive combination in the tournament.
On the other hand, Romelu Lukaku is in the race of Golden Boot award. He has scored four goals in the competition so far. His combination play with Eden Hazard and De Bruyne could come in handy against France. Lukaku's off-the-ball mobility creates lots of free space for his team- mates in the attacking zone.
#Jan Vertonghen and Kylian Mbappe
Vertonghen has been quite consistent for the Red Devils in the World Cup. He plays in the left back position in this Belgium side. On Tuesday he will be given the responsibility to stop Mbappe's lightning runs from the left wing.
The 19-year-old Frenchman is the best find of the tournament. On his day Mbappe can destroy any defence at will. He demolished Argentina with his tremendous speed and scored a couple of brilliant goals.
fOn the other hand Vertonghen along with Kompany providing defensive stability to the Red Devils. Vertonghen has a great anticipation and can make clear tackles in defence. He has to be at his best to stop Mbappe in the semi-final.
#Eden Hazard and Pavard
Eden Hazard is a dangerous player. He played particularly well in the quarter-final and created a lot of pressure in the Brazilian defence.
Hazard has a terrific control with the ball and he has the ability to earn free-kick and penalty in dangerous positions by forcing opponent defenders to commit foul against him. He will look to do the same against France.
Pavard would look to nullify Hazard's threat on Tuesday. Pavard is one of the pillars of strength in the French defence. Pavard is a solid player but at a time he has the tendency to go for the final tackle bit early. He has to guard that against Hazard.
