The World Cup 2018 Russia has its first semifinal match between France and Belgium. This much-awaited match is being termed as “the match” of the tournament, and there are reasons why you need to be excited about it. The battle will be an exciting encounter between 3rd ranked Belgium and 7th ranked France.
Both national teams feature an impressive record, each reaching this stage of the World Cup unbeaten with impressive displays of attacking football. Both sides have great pro players who pose as worthy opponents to each other on the day of the match. Let’s take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of each team just so we can know what they are walking into and what fans all over the world should expect from them.
The Belgium Squad
Belgium has a number of strongholds, its most dominant ones being their midfield and their attacking tactics. Most of the times, they start their matches with the 3-4-3 formation and can change it to the 4-3-3 depending on the need. The team is equipped with versatile players, such as Kevin De Bruyne, Axel Witsel, and Marouane Fellaini who form a strong, often-impenetrable defense which can also quickly turn to attack. Romelu Lukaku is the team’s star striker. Apart from being an impressive striker, he has a great presence for both on-the-ground and aerial balls. He has support from Eden Hazard who instantly moves from attacking midfielder to an able false-9.
Belgium has scored 14 goals thus far in the tournament. In addition to Lukaku’s 4 goals and Hazard’s 2 goals, other team players have also displayed striking ability. Belgium’s weakness likely lies in their defense. However, they make up for this with world-class goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois who, as we all recall, played exceptionally against Brazil to ensure their 2-1 win. The team has conceded 5 goals to this point.
The France Squad
Just like Belgium, the France team displays great midfield. The team usually plays with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Its star players Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante play as withdrawn halves and can as well block high in the field. Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe are the team’s lead attackers. They also have great overlaps by players Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez from the back.
France’s attack pattern is not so much different from Belgium’s as they both try to control the match in their midfield. France has a slight upper hand than Belgium when it comes to a stable more consistent defense. This is attributed to them starting with 4 defenders and the tactics played by Raphael Varane and Samuel Umtiti. Pavard, in the right-back position, has speedy overlaps that increase more numbers during attacks.
France only fails at not having a bulkier striker up front. The team has scored 9 goals in this World Cup, 6 of which are through Griezmann and Mbappe. Players like Giroud are yet to rise up to the occasion and score in matches that count the most.
The match between Belgium and France will be one between equals, and we can’t wait to see how it turns out!