3 semifinal battles

France will meet its Belgian neighbors in the World Cup semi-finals on Tuesday as they try to reach a third final in 20 years. Belgium, having eliminated Brazil's favorite title, hopes to reach the final for the first time and exploit the potential of its much vaunted "golden generation". Belgium has scored 14 goals in five matches up here in the mega-event and is in the last four for only the second time in its history, having won its biggest World Cup scalp beating Brazil 2 -1 in the quarter-finals. In contrast, France scored their semi-final match against Belgium after eliminating Uruguay with a 2-0 triumph.

Kylian Mbappe vs. Jan Vertonghen

French teenage girl Kylian Mbappe Was announcing on the world stage-a goal in a defeat in 16th of Argentina's Lionel Messi. He is the top scorer of his country in Russia with three goals, alongside Antoine Griezmann, although the 19-year-old was far less likely to face solid defense in the quarter-finals.

and a game-changing ability will test an experienced Belgian defense, while coach Roberto Martinez ponders a slight reshuffle. Jan Vertonghen will be one of the main makers of the Mbappe overthrow, although the Tottenham defender could push into a background role with Thomas Vermaelen started in the left of a third back in because of the suspension of Thomas Meunier. The only Belgian player with 100 international caps and the 31-year-old's loop header sparked a dramatic fight in the 3-2 win over Japan in the last 16.

Romelu Lukaku v Samuel Umtiti

Romelu Lukaku, defying the campaigns of the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016, challenged his critics to be the spearhead of the Belgian challenge. The Manchester United striker has scored four goals in four games, but it's his Brazilian defense shootout that has allowed Kevin De Bruyne to score the goal that will be remembered for his 2 victory. -1 in the quarter-finals.

Samuel Umtiti has been a mainstay of France's back row since he was parachuted during the team's run to the Euro 2016 finals. However, the form The physics of Barcelona's central backcourt is a constant concern for Didier Deschamps.

The 24-year-old missed the last games of the season with a knee problem and was spotted grimacing towards the end of the 2-0 win over Uruguay. Umtiti has been wearing a splint on his right knee since the start of the competition, and he will have to hold out if he has to deal with a Belgian attack that is deadly on the counter.

Paul Pogba vs. Marouane Fellaini

There may be little similarity in style between the two Manchester United midfielders, but Marouane Fellaini is preparing to frustrate the creative talents of Paul Pogba [19659004] often unjustly ridiculed for his clumsy approach, Fellaini the impact can not be underestimated in the race of Belgium to the last four. He started only once in the group stage, but came back on the bench to tie things up when Belgium came back from two goals to defeat Japan and reach the quarterfinals.

Fellaini saved the best for Brazil. Neymar and Philippe Coutinho several times and add grain to an explosive offensive outfit. On the other hand, the omnipresence of N & # 39; Golo Kante allowed Pogba to be more free to move and the latter was excellent in the win against Argentina. It has been solid, if not spectacular, against Uruguay, and France will bet on another influential display with the final firmly in their sights.

(With AFP entries)