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By Associated Press
ST. PETERSBURG: Considering the offensive strength of France and Belgium, there is potential for a goal game when European neighbors meet in the semi-finals of the World Cup.
There was less at stake last time. The World Cup, a 4-2 win for France in the match for third place in 1986. This was the last competitive match between the two countries, but there have been eight international friendlies since.
Belgium won two of them, including the last one: an exhibition three years ago at the Stade de France, when the Belgians took a three-goal lead five minutes after the end of the second half time and won 4: 3.
France was not scared and acceded to its first semifinal of the World Cup since 2006, led by the United States. 19-year-old striker Kylian Mbappe and two inexperienced side-backs of Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez
"We are not afraid of anyone," Pavard said. "We have been confident from the beginning and we do not ask ourselves questions."
Coach Didier Deschamps, captain of France at the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship, instilled a steel mentality.
"He motivates the troops with strong words," Pavard said. "We are ready to go to war with him."
CONSCIOUS TRAINERS
Deschamps made bold decisions to launch Pavard on the right and Lucas Hernandez on the left. The pair, both 22 years old, have only 20 international appearances but play with a good coolness.
In Belgium, there were doubts about Roberto Martinez's ability to transfer the country's individual talent into a collective force. Fans welcomed his arrival in August 2016 with mixed enthusiasm because he was recently sacked by Everton in the Premier League.
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His tenure began with a 2-0 home defeat against Spain, but since then, Belgium is undefeated in 23 matches and scored 78 goals. this games. With former France coach Thierry Henry as badistant coach, Belgium leads the scoring in Russia with 14 goals in five World Cup matches. "19659003" He gave the team the desire to attack. The influence of Henry on the Belgian team. "The attackers will see him, he is highly esteemed"
Martinez's tactics are also distinguished
. Belgium beat Japan 2-0 in the round of 16, Martinez replaced two midfield players by two midfielders. and they both scored.
LLORIS VS. COURTOIS
Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and number 1 Frenchman Hugo Lloris could be busy
Lloris was criticized last year after mistakes for France and Tottenham
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At the opening of the World Cup of France against Australia, he let a distant shot pbad in front of him and looked in relief when he hit the crossbar . But Lloris seemed to be at his best in the quarter-final win over Uruguay, rushing out of his line to repel a low cross and later making a superb save down.
Belgium has the ability to defend and lead Vincent Kompany and Jan Vertonghen and Marouane Fellaini
Courtois entered the tournament as one of the best goalkeepers and improved his reputation with an excellent quarterback final against Brazil.
French striker Olivier Giroud thinks Lloris has the advantage over Courtois, his teammate in Chelsea.
"They are both very good on their line, but Hugo is more explosive," Giroud said. "The best is Hugo, sorry, Thibaut."
MEUNIER OUT
Belgium must face off without defender Thomas Meunier, whose backstage is a key element of the attack on Belgium
is suspended after tripping the Brazilian star Neymar and earned a second yellow card of the tournament. In the absence of Meunier, Martinez can abandon his 3-5-2 formation with wingbacks, and instead move to a four back in a more compact defense.
HAZARD OUTLET
Star striker Eden Hazard is known for his offensive prowess, but he is also an outlet for the Belgian defense. The danger runs to the rhythm and cuts inside. Because of his fast feet, his change of direction and his exquisite control, it is difficult to attack and this often leads to a fault.
MBAPPE THREAT
While Giroud has not yet scored, his ability to hold the ball fits the French system and allows Mbappe to make raids on the right flank. It also gives Antoine Griezmann space to move.
"I'm trying to create holes for my teammates," Giroud said. "It's my selfless side."
He needs a goal to overtake the great Zinedine Zidane. They are tied for fourth with 31.
Griezmann scored two shots on goal and set up Raphael Varane's goal against Uruguay. But he did not show the form he had when he led France to the finals of Euro 2016, when Les Bleus lost against Portugal.
Belgium fought against Japan by defending fast and mobile players.
WITH THE WHISTLE
Andrés Cunha, from Uruguay, was nominated to referee the match after winning France's 2-1 win over Australia and the United States. 1-0 win of Spain over Iran in the group stage. He snapped a penalty shot at France after a video of a tackle by Joshua Risdon over Antoine Griezmann, who imposed himself 1-0. Cunha refused a goal from Iranian Saeid Ezatolahi after an badistant referee and the video badistant reported that the player was offside.
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