Before the duel in the semi-final – The dream of France and the plan of Belgium – Sport

Tête à tête

• The French and Belgians have already met 73 times. For the first time, he came in 1904 to the meeting. In Brussels, the two teams split 3: 3. In the balance, Belgium leads with 30 wins, 19 draws and 24 defeats.

• A World Cup twice led the neighbors to a duel. In 1938 (in the round of 16) and in 1986 (in third place), the French will impose. 32 years ago in Mexico, "Les Bleus" were 4-2 winners in overtime

• The last match between France and Belgium is more than 3 years old. At the Stade de France in Paris, the Red Devils won 4: 3 in a spectacular match. Marouane Fellaini could celebrate as a doubler

Key Figures

• Belgium: Thibaut Courtois (Purpose)

In the world-class team of Belgians one could sing virtually any players. However, anyone who has seen what balls Thibaut Courtois defused against Brazil in the quarterfinals can not miss the importance of the goalkeeper of 1.99 meters. And just because the Belgian defense does not always give the safest impression, strong support against France should be even more valuable. For Oliver Kahn Courtois is already "the number 1 of the World Cup."

• France: Antoine Griezmann (storm)

At the European Championship at home two years ago, the striker became the main force "The Team Tricolore "With 6 goals, he not only crowned top scorer, but was also elected tournament player. Most importantly, the fact that it has not really run hot in knockout games seems important. The same scenario is also apparent now. Griezmann has everything to decide great games. His nickname "Grizou" is not an accident.

What the protagonists say

• Kevin De Bruyne: "France has an exceptional team. But in the semifinals, there are no easy opponents. It will be at least as difficult as against Brazil. We will find a plan to stop Mbappé. We have not finished what we want to accomplish.

• Antoine Griezmann: "We have a team that can hurt any opponent.If we focus on our game, we have a good chance of winning.Now it's up to us to dream. "

What else to say

• A photo of the Hazard 2000 brothers Kylian, Thorgan and Eden make the tour before the semi-finals between France and Belgium, then the three Belgian brothers wear all French jerseys with Zinédine Zidane number 10. "We were all three big fans of Zidane and proud to wear this jersey," says Eden Hazard

• At the French camp of Istra, not only are the players stars, but also the hairdresser Ahmed Alsanawi, who also goes to the Premier League professionals in London, has been twice at the hotel of the EM finalists team. the semifinal against Belgium