FIFA World Cup 2018 Semi Final: Players to watch out for
Here is a look at all the players that are capable of producing the goods in the first Semi Final
(WebDesk) – Football fans around the world have been sitting on the edge of their seats for almost the past month now with the eleventh edition of the FIFA World Cup in full swing. What is being termed by many pundits as one of the most open and exciting World Cups of recent times, the tournament has produced many breathtaking moments, controversies, brilliant goals, fascinating team work, horrific blunders as well as major shocks.
It is safe to say that we are now well and truly approaching the business end of the tournament with the first semifinal between France and Belgium being played tonight. A match that truly promises to be a crackerjack features a host of match winners who can truly turn the encounter on its head within moments.
With the tournament now wide open, the coveted trophy is up for grabs. Photo: File
With such a closely fought tussle on the cards, let’s have a look at all the key players that can prove to be the difference in St. Petersburg.
France
1) Antoine Griezmann
When one talk about the French international team these days, the first player that often comes to mind is none other than striker Antoinne Griezmann who has proved his mettle through a mixture of great determination, flair and epic goal scoring ability. The 27-year-old has proven himself as a big game player, stepping up to the occasion at crucial times. So far, he has managed to bag a total of 3 goals and 1 assist in the 5 matches he has played in the tournament. Griezmann’s link up play with fellow Frenchmen Kylian Mbappe has proven to be very lethal. If he can continue more of the same, he can singlehandedly go past the experienced Belgian defence line to help his team through to the finals
2) Kylian Mbappe
Prior to the start of the World Cup pundits and fans alike were optimistic for French Sensation Kylian Mbappe to perform on the big stage. In the tournament, he has literally set the stage alight by performing birlliantly for his country. Mbappe’s shear pace and skills with the ball in his feet has proven to be too much for the opposition defence at times. The 19-year-old showed just how capable he really is with the way he played against Argentina in the round of 16. The young sensation scored 2 goals and managed to win a penalty for his side to help them advance to the next round. So far, Mbappe has 3 goals in his account; a number that is expected to rise soon.
3) Hugo Lloris
The French not only have a fluid attacking unit with world renowned strikers up front, but they have their captain and veteran goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris, to thank for his epic saves that have kept them very much alive in the World Cup. In a tournament that has provided us with a variety of brilliant goals, no one really talks about how good some goalkeepers have been and Hugo Lloris is certainly on the list of the stoppers, if not tops it. The 31-year-old must do more of the same against a star studded Belgian attack to help his team through to the Final.
Belgium
1) Romelu Lukaku
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The Manchester United Forward has proven to be a revelation for his national side in Russia bagging 4 goals and an assist, helping his team through to the Semi Finals. Other than that, Lukaku has scored 17 goals and bagged 3 assists in the last 20 games he has played for Belgium; number that speak volumes of his talent. The 25-year-old will have to be vary of the sturdy and disciplined French defence tonight and if he can put his A-game up tonight, there is no question Belgium will well and truly be on their way to the Final in Moscow.
2) Eden Hazard
With Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar out of the competition, Eden Hazard remains as one of the key superstars in the tournament. The 27-year-old has had a great tournament so far, netting two goals and assisting on a further two occasions. Hazard’s exquisite passing, sublime skills and rocket-like pace has the ability to cut any defence in half. The entire country and more will have their eyes glued on Hazard to come up with the goods tonight.
3) Kevin De Bruyne
In the win against Brazil, Kevin De Bruyne showed exactly why he is one of the hottest prospects in world football at the moment. Cutting the defence open with a great run and shooting accurately from long range to double his sides lead in the Quarter finals have given the fans more hope concerning the 27-year-old. Along with his masterclass passing, his link up play with the strikers will be key against France.
On paper, the Belgians look like a tough unit to overcome but given France’s experience especially in major tournaments, the French might just have an edge over Belgium. However, anything can happen come the match.
By: Raacikh Asghar
