On Tuesday, Belgium will take on France in the first semi-final in what is expected to be the final before the final. Both teams have many extraordinary talents who can single-handedly destroy any team.
France’s Kylian Mbappe did that to Argentina where he scored two goals in less than 10 minutes to knock out the mighty Argentines. Kevin De Bryune did something similar to Brazil with his decisive strike.
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Both these players will be looking to do something similar tonight as Brazil takes on France for a place in the finals. We have a look at the top five impact players whose traits will be on display tonight.
Eden Hazard, Belgium
A lot has already been said about Hazard and his performances at this World Cup. He was won three Man of the match awards in five games and is already in contention for the golden ball award.
He will once again be Belgium’s key man against France as the Red Devils look to play their first ever World Cup final. Hazard has scored two goals and given two assists so far and will be looking to add to his tally and carry his side to the finals.
Kylian Mbappe, France
Already being touted as the next big thing in world football, Mbappe has taken this World Cup by storm. He has so far scored three goals including two against Argentina in the round of 16.
Belgium plays with three defenders at the back and all of them lack any real speed. Mbappe will have this in mind as he will look to run at Belgium’s defenders with his frightening pace and take France to the finals.
Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium
Just like Hazard, De Bruyne is having an exceptional World Cup. He may not have the numbers of Lukaku or Hazard but he definitely has the talent as he showed with his strike against Brazil.
He will be instrumental for Belgium against France as he will play just behind Lukaku and Hazard. Both of them will look up to him for supplies. The midfield battle between him and Kante will be the key. Kante will have his eye on him, and he will have to be wary of that.
Raphael Varane, France
While players like Mbappe and Griezmann have taken away all the attention, Varane has been the silent Knight for France. He has been excellent in defence, helping France keep three clean sheets in five matches.
He will be given the huge task of keeping the big Romelu Lukaku in check. It will be difficult to stop Lukaku but Varane should be up to the task. He is also a threat from set-pieces with his aerial ability. The battle between him and Lukaku may just decide the game.
Thibaut Courtois, Belgium
Courtois showed up when it really mattered as he made nine saves against Brazil in the quarter-finals and helped his side go through. The 6’5 inch Belgium goalkeeper will have to show up once again vs France.
With the likes of Griezmann, Pogba and Mbappe in the French ranks, Courtois will be thoroughly tested throughout the match. He will have to be up to the task if he wants to stop Mbappe and Co.