Is this the Avengers vs the Expendables? At the first glance of the lineup, European Football fans know this will be a blast! Two European heavyweights boasting extremely talented 'Golden Generations' and underrated managers clash today for a place in the World Cup Finals. Didier Deschamps(French Manager) and Thierry Henry(Belgium head coach) meet again as enemies, after winning the World Cup 20 years back in 1998.
Hello Rankers!
To help you score better in RankingBall and win more, here's a strategy guide which can kick you off. From tomorrow 18:00 UTC begins the semi-finals of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.In this guide, we will go over which players you can expect to put in your RankingBall bingo.
France preview
The Les Bleus have been performing surprisingly well after the group stages. Their defense seemed under-par when they squeezed a difficult 4-3 thriller against Argentina. However, they have defeated Uruguay with a clean sheet, after completely shutting down Luis Suarez and Christian Stuani. Can the French do the same to Hazard and Lukaku, while getting through Vertonghen and Courtois? This time, they will not be so lucky as they faced Uruguay.
Expected Starting XI
RankingBall Strategies
Attack point - Personally, I'm starting to tire of naming the same person for three French matches in a row. Antoine Griezmann! He has been the core of French attack from the group stages, and finally he has got on form versus Uruguay, even scoring a wonder(or fluke) goal thanks to Muslera's blunders. If Les Bleus are to score, Griezmann would be involved in it definitely. Another choice would be Olivier Giroud. Though nonexistent in the previous match against Uruguay, Deschamps (and I) still place faith in him. Giroud has been performing well in the Premier League, and his experience will pay off when facing Belgium's Premier League veterans Kompany, Alderwelreid and Vertonghen.
Goal - The PSG talent and France world cup prospect Kylian Mbappe is a good bet. Mbappe is the typical 'striker' that goes for the goal and gets them. Mbappe has scored 3 goals as of now in the world cup, In fact, he has just broken David Trezeguet's record as France's youngest striker! I can see no other better bets than Mbappe. If you expect Belgium to shut down Mbappe, then go for second choices like Giroud or Matuidi.
Assist - There are some options here. Expect Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez to set up goals with their crosses. Midfield ~ forward options such as Pogba, Griezmann and Giroud are also valid options here, but I recommend to put Giroud in the attack point cell.
Card/Foul - Any defensive player or tough defensive midfielder Kante would be a definitive pick. Expect a lot of action and temper flares on the midfield, with top European league talents clashing in the midfield. Hazard, De Bryune, Lukaku and Fellaini are more than a threat to any side that faces them.
Shot on - As Les Bleus have tons of attacking talent on their fronts, expect to put any offensive players you see on the starting lineup for shots on goal. If I'm to name certain players, I would go for likes of Pogba, Dembele and Matuidi if any of them appear in the starting XI. If you feel that there will be many chances from set pieces, tall center-backs Varane and Umtiti are recommended.
Saves - The French goal will be safe in the hands of Tottenham keeper Hugo Lloris.
Belgium preview
The Les Diables Rouges are literally Marvel's Avengers of Football world. Their names are the top players in the best team in European football. From the group stages, they have shown their firepower, scoring at least 3 goals against Panama and Tunisia, and even securing a 1-0 win against England even with their substitutes. In the tournaments, they have come back from 2 goals behind against Japan, showing their mettle, and dispatched all-time favorites Brazil. If there is an uncertainty that could prevent Belgium from winning, then it is the Roberto Martinez, the manager's lack of preparation as seen from the match against Japan. However, he would definitely come prepared versus France, especially with head coach Thierry Henry by his side...
Expected Starting XI
RankingBall strategies
Attack Point - If Roberto Martinez keeps his lineup from last match vs Brazil, then Kevin de Bryune will be the first name that comes to mind. De Bryune was on fire against Brazil, and definitely expect him to carry on his form against France. If you value statistics and stability, Eden Hazard is the choice to go for. Hazard has set up 2 goals and scored 2 himself, definitely proving that he is the key player of Belgian attack.
Goal - Avengers has Hulk, and Belgium has Lukaku. He is currently Belgium's leading scorer, both in this tournament and history-wise as well(40 goals so far) However, Lukaku has not shown too much presence past the group stages, and teams that faced Belgium came prepared for him. Even Japan's Yoshida Maya did a good job shutting him down. In case you think Lukaku will get shut down, go for Hazard, de Bryune and maybe the super-sub Chadli.
Assist - If you have used de Bryune for Attack point cell, then go for Eden Hazard. He is Belgium's kicker as well, so why not expect him to work some magic during set pieces as well?
Cards/Foul - Belgium also has its own strong candidate. Marouane Fellaini is the choice to go for. Fellaini is another tough midfielder notorious for his rough plays and...elbows.
Shots on - Some offensive players such as Chadli, Dembele, and Center-back Vertonghen is a good option. Vertonghen and Chadli have a goal to their names too.
Saves - The Chelsea keeper Thibault Courtois is sure to save the goal from Mbappe and Griezmann.
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