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For the first time in 32 years, Belgium is in the semi-finals of the World Cup
France joins them too, the two European teams eliminating the remaining South American opposition in Uruguay and the United States. Brazil in the quarterfinals of Friday. However, it could have been a slightly different result if it was not for the dismal Brazilian finish.
Here are three winners and three losers on Day 20 at the 2018 World Cup.
WINNERS
Romelu Lukaku [19659002] The help of Roberto Martinez to move Kevin De Bruyne centrally changed the game for the Belgium. But no one was as punchy for the Red Devils as Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku went from his third to the Brazilian half of the field, which allowed De Bruyne to double his lead to double the pace. advance of Belgium. In fact, the Manchester United striker was exploiting Brazil's open space in the middle of the field throughout the game.
Lukaku dominated the wings every time the Brazilian sideways went up. With De Bruyne in the central channels, Lukaku recovered the ball before dribbling inside and joining De Bruyne
Lukaku's pbad combinations at De Bruyne (left) and all the pbades received by Lukaku ( to the right). in the Belgian attack was lively. Eden Hazard took everyone and De Bruyne was brilliant, as mentioned. But without the work of Lukaku and the withdrawal of Brazilian defenders out of position, this victory would not have been possible.
Pogba-Kante Partnership
This game was probably going to be won or lost in midfield for France or Uruguay.
Fortunately for the French, the midfield partnership between Paul Pogba and N & # 39; Golo Kante has once again flourished.
Pogba was particularly sensational. He has completed more pbades in the offensive third than any other player and has had an incredible recovery of nine balls against Uruguay. It was a performance as dominant as that of Pogba up to now at the World Cup.
About 42% of France's attacks were generated in the right wing, by WhoScored.com, so it was not a surprise to see Pogba favor this side and mingling with Kylian Mbappe in the buildup
As for Kante, he was not too involved defensively because Pogba was largely responsible for these interventions. Whatever the case may be, the small midfielder still orchestrated the match in the defensive third, ensuring a link between the defense, Pogba and the attack.
The chemistry between Pogba and Kante is an integral part of the semifinal »
The French central defenders
The midfielder held firm, but the France could live and die defending itself
. In the quarterfinals, no team had allowed fewer goals – an advanced badytics used to determine the quality of a shot – than France.
The quarterfinals #WorldCup ranked by xG.
(Via Opta, excluding personal penalties and goals) #BEL : #RUS : pic.twitter.com/djg1Slp1mA
– Peter Galindo (@GalindoPW) July 3, 2018
This defensive solidity continues against Uruguay.
xG map for #U UK – #FRA . A painfully bad game.
At this point, it seems clear that France will go exactly as far as their defense can take them, which could well be very far away, but it's a tragic management given the attacking talent in the box. pic.twitter.com/s0AkTSmfEv
– Caley Graphics (@Caley_graphics) July 6, 2018
Raphael Varane and Samuel Umtiti are the architects behind this miserly backward line. They followed impeccably the movement of Luis Suarez, probably helped by the knowledge of Umtiti of his Barcelona teammate
Suarez received only 17 badists in the game, with only four in the central areas.
Together, Varane and Umtiti completed seven ball recoveries 15 clearances. As the two players were constantly synchronized with each other and in the right position, they did not have to excite themselves.
The defensive actions of Varane and Umtiti against Uruguay, via Stats Zone.
This was a defensive masterclbad. France, who will have to continue as long as she stays in the tournament.
The FIFA World Cup Russia will take place from June 14 to July 15, and Sportsnet.ca will benefit from extensive daily coverage.
LOSERS
The Arrival of Brazil
In the first 30 minutes, Casemiro was the largest absence for Brazil. His defensive solidity and his deeper positioning compared to Fernandinho may have prevented the goal of De Bruyne
. However, the last hour for Brazil was defined by unnecessary finishes and missed penalties.
As Mel Brooks said, tragedy is when I cut my little finger , comedy is when you fall into a sewer and die. pic.twitter.com/tqz6pjM3Do
– Caley Graphics (@Caley_graphics) July 6, 2018
Because it only takes seven games to win the World Cup, an unfortunate day in front of goal can end the tournament of a team in an instant. Fernando Muslera
No one will feel as disappointed as the Uruguayan keeper Fernando Muslera.
With Uruguay trailing 1-0, a long-range strike from Antoine Griezmann suddenly made a gap before reaching Muslera's hands. Unfortunately for the Uruguayan shooter, the ball eventually creaks ropes through his gloves and into the goal
This was the decisive blow for Uruguay, which seemed deflated after the mishap of Muslera. Normally very reliable at the international level, it was an unusual mistake for Galatasaray goalkeeper.
Rodrigo Bentancur
Eager to be a breakout player at the 2018 World Cup, Rodrigo Bentancur enjoyed a meteoric rise.
Last year at this time, Bentancur was playing for Boca Juniors and represented Uruguay at the U-20 World Cup. Twelve months later, he is a member of Juventus and leaves for the senior national team of the FIFA World Cup
.
Against a strong French midfielder, Bentancur was instructed to provide a link between the other midfielders and the attack. Bentancur completed only 14 of his 18 badists, of which only four were in connection with Luis Suarez or Cristhian Stuani
Bentancur combining with Suarez (left) and Stuani (right), via Stats Zone
However, because France urged the Uruguay midfielder as soon as they were in possession, Bentancur had to constantly wander on the ground to recover the ball.
This, in turn, left Bentancur disconnected from the attackers and the attack failed to gain consistency as a result.
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