It’s not often you get to see a final before the final, especially at the World Cup, but that’s exactly what is on the cards when 1998 winners France take on dark horses Belgium in the first semi-final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup at the Saint Petersburg Stadium.

France haven’t really huffed and puffed, but they haven’t exactly played scintillating football in Russia en route to the last-eight.

Truth be told, their group-stage matches were a bit tedious to watch but since then, Les Blues have transformed into a side that is beginning to deliver on its enormous potential.

Belgium, on the other hand, have been impressive from Matchday 1, barring a minor blip against Japan, and have an entire nation believing that their ‘Golden Generation’ is ready to make that jump from elite to legendary.

With the way the favourites have crumbled at the World Cup, it’s nigh impossible to call this tie and while France do hold a slight edge, come kick off and it all comes down to whom the footballing gods are favouring on the day.

France

France’s defence held firm against Uruguay, but that was a side bereft of Edinson Cavani so their true test will come against the Belgian Red Devils that have scored 14 goals in five matches so far.

Samuel Umtiti, even when fit, doesn’t inspire confidence at the back and while Les Blues’ fullbacks are a bit green, if there is to be an area of concern for Didier Deschamps, it would most definitely be his centre-back who plies his trade for Catalan giants Barcelona.

With his leg heavily wrapped in the quarters, one wonders if he will be operating at anywhere near 100 per cent and if not, then how Romelu Lukaku and Co. will manage to target him.

In fact, had it not been for the flying Hugo Lloris in goal, the story could well have been different for France and their custodian has truly been leading from the back, much to the delight of his countrymen.

The spotlight will once again be on N’Golo Kante for the semi-final, for the indefatigable midfielder will have to run harder than ever before if he is to keep club teammate Eden Hazard quiet on the night.

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In Paul Pobga, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe have some of the finest offensive talents on paper, but their vaunted stars have not yet clicked as a cohesive unit and they will need to combine if they are to beat a Belgium side still buzzing after their historic triumph over Brazil.

Having gone all the way as the captain of that 1998 side, Deschamps knows a thing or two about winning the World Cup and the motivation to become only the third man to lift the title as player and manager both will only spur him on.

Talking corner: “We’re not scared of anyone. We’ve been confident from the start and we’re not asking any questions of ourselves.” France fullback Benjamin Pavard

Probable starting XI: (4-2-3-1) Lloris (C), Hernandez, Varane, Umtiti, Pavard, Kante, Pogba, Tolisso, Griezmann, Mbappe and Giroud.

Injury concerns: Benjamim Mendy (thigh/knee)

Suspension alert: None

Belgium

Roberto Martinez’s bold move to play Marouane Fellaini alongside Alex Witsel, which in turn freed Kevin De Bruyne to work his magic up top, against Brazil turned out to be a masterstroke.

With Romelu Lukaku taking up the right flank and Eden Hazard on the right, ‘KDB’ was unleashed and the rest, as they say, is history.

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Will Martinez stick with the same system against France?

Les Blues may not have Neymar and Philippe Coutinho, but there is no dearth of offensive firepower for Deschamps and Martinez knows it.

There is a major concern for Belgium’s Spanish tactician, however, as in-form wingback Thomas Meunier is suspended and in his place, either Yannick Carrasco or Nacer Chadli will start.

Again, it all depends on what kind of formation Martinez opts for and right now, it’s anybody’s guess.

Should Fellaini return to the bench, it’s likely that Dries Mertens will link up with Hazard and Lukaku, pushing De Bruyne back into his deep-lying midfield role.

Thibaut Courtois, like his opposite number Hugo Lloris, has been having a standout tournament and the Chelsea custodian is expected to be busy all evening long, despite having a formidable back-three of Vincent Kompany, Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen in front of him.

Despite Witsel’s impressive displays as a midfield enforcer, however, Belgium haven’t been exactly stingy at the back and they will require shoring up if they are to clear the penultimate hurdle that is France.


Talking corner: “It’s a trip into the unknown. We have never been in such a situation, and that’s why we need our team spirit more than ever against France. We need to be the best version of ourselves.” Belgium manager Roberto Martinez.

Probable starting XI: (3-4-3) Courtois, Vertonghen, Kompany, Alderweireld, Meunier, De Bruyne, Witsel, Carrasco, Mertens, Lukaku and Hazard (C).

Injury concerns: None

Suspension alert: Thomas Meunier (yellow card accumulation)

Super stat: This is France’s sixth World Cup semi-final (two wins, three losses) while Belgium are in the last-four for the second time, having lost to Argentina on their maiden visit in 1986.