Coming Up: Showpiece Of European Football

As the World Cup reaches the last four stage, the tournament turns into a showpiece of European football with the last four teams in contention for the title hailing from the same continent. In the first semi-final tonight, Francophone neighbors meet in Saint Petersburg.

FRANCE-BELGIUM

With the likes of Mbappe, Kante, Hazard, Pogba, Lukaku and De Bruyne on show, this could be one of the most entertaining games of the tournament, in which football pundits give a 50:50 chance for both the teams.

Les Bleus impressed against Argentina through offensive flair, and against Uruguay by their unit’s solidity. Now, they need to beat the most spectacular team of the tournament so far.

France enters the filed with the memory of beating Belgium 4-2 in the third-place match in 1986, the last time they met at the World Cup.

Les Bleus will be buoyed by the return of Blaise Matuidi for this match after sitting out due to suspension.

Belgium’s five consecutive victories at Russia 2018 constitute a new record for successive wins for the Red Devils.

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez expresses great respect for his team’s opponents in the semi-final, stressing that they have not only great players, but a good balance within the team.

The Red Devils will be without their key player against France, as Thomas Meunier has received a second booking.

This may force Martinez to switch to a classic 4-4-2 approach. If so, Nacer Chadli may start on the right, with Yannick Carrasco returning on the opposite flank.

by RTTNews Staff Writer

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