Hazard not Neymar takes over as star of the tournament

ST PETERSBURG, Russia (Reuters) – When Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were kicked out of the World Cup a week ago, Brazilian Neymar took the place of the star of the tournament.

But this Eden Hazard Belgium is now the strongest bidder for this crown.

Friday night in Kazan, Neymar also saw his World Cup finish prematurely, a brazilian team full of talent but too dependent on the inconstant individual contribution of the front, beaten 2-1 by a brilliant Belgian team , inspired by the gifted Danger.

The clash in the semifinal against France will give the 19-year-old Frenchman, Kylian Mbappe, the opportunity to proclaim himself the most exciting of the tournament and the final itself could create another competitor, but at this point, Danger sets the standard.

Facing Neymar on Friday, the difference between their contributions was striking.

Many will blame Brazil's exit on how their attacks were constantly directed towards Neymar in the hope that he would deliver the world-class individual skill which he showed he was capable of but that he rarely delivered in Russia.

With all the talent and disposition of the Brazilian coach Tite, Neymar's whirlwind ended up weakening their collective effort, while Hazard had the opposite effect on Belgium.

The Chelsea winger has shown his individual talents on numerous occasions against Brazil, including with a bewitching dribble wide in the second half, and statistics have shown that his 10 dribbling in the game ended with his team still in possession.

But his contribution goes far beyond the catchy moments of skill.

Hazard dictated the pace of the game, pressing the accelerator for the counter-attacks that opened the Brazilian defense but also, especially in the second half, slowing down the game and retaining possession.

This aspect of game management, understanding the right time to burst and also the opportune time to calm things down, is what makes Hazard more than just a attacking attacker or attacker.

And it is part of an offensive unit that the French will beware on Tuesday night in St. Petersburg.

The highlight of the victory was Kevin De Bruyne's superb shot for Belgium's second, after a superb series of passes by Romelu Lukaku.

The goal has shown that while Belgium benefits enormously from Hazard, they are far from relying on it.

Indeed, Roberto Martinez's team had nine different scorers, excluding own goals, in this tournament. Only Italy in 2006 and France in 1982 with 10 each have already had more in a single tournament.

Hazard's ability was never questioned, but there were some who, heading to this tournament, were wondering if he had the mental courage to deliver on the bigger stage.

He was disappointed at the last World Cup in Brazil and two years ago at the European Championship, he left the game during the defeat of his team in the quarterfinals against the Country of Wales.

But here, when Belgium was faced with a similar surprise, lagging behind Japan in the round of 16, it was her turn and her magic turn, then the crossing that created the equalizer at the head of Marouane Fellaini.

He may not have an endearing personality or a strong marketing appeal, but Hazard will surely be in demand after this tournament of the biggest consumers in Europe.