France vs Belgium
Tincho (@MP_persources): Another anticipated World Cup final that came from the noticeably harder side of the bracket. Two star-studded sides that had eliminated some of the best teams in the World to get to this semifinal. Overall, it was a perfectly even match with both sides having their fair share of attempts. Both Courtois and Lloris had spectacular saves to keep their teams in the game including a late save by the Chelsea keeper in the dying minutes of the game to prevent going down 2-0 with seconds to play. I thought Belgium did a fantastic job neutralizing Mbappe during the first half but as time progressed and France started finding those spaces, Mbappe started getting more and more comfortable in the game. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Eden Hazard had yet another World class performance against a noticeably inexperienced Pavard on the wing. Hazard was seen all over the pitch trying to break down France’s defense by either taking players on 1v1 or with a dime in between the lines. In the end, it took a set piece to determine the winner. Great header by Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti who anticipated it perfectly and capitalized on Fellaini’s mistake in the near post. Belgium forced France to take their game to another level and this young french side proved they’re a much more mature side than they were in 2016. Questions were answered for France and Belgium despite the result. Belgium showed they are ready to compete with the best in the World and are going to be serious contenders for the Euro in 2020.
Cam (@CamB_PerSources): France and Belgium played out a reversed game that lift each team periodically asking questions of each other. Belgium came out as the better of two sides attacking the full backs of France with Chadli down one end and Hazard the other. Hazard was the brightest player for the Red Devils constantly taking on defenders and asking questions. The French defense did wobble but never broke as they held strong thorough the entire match. Around 30 minutes into the match the roles flipped with France controlling the midfield and creating chances for the forwards. Blaise Matuidi was great transitioning the ball up the field while Kante was able to sit in front of back four and stop the counter. Each went into half time with a few chances but not the best performances of the tournament. The French grabbed the lead off a Samuel Umtiti header at the near post. The French than were able to soak up perrsure and force Belgium to open up leading to countering opportunities. Timely Lukaku was marked out of the game by Varane and Umtiti and KDB was not as clinical in prior matches. No second half sub could create chances as the Red Devils resorted to cross into the box that didn’t materialize. Both goalies kept there teams in the game throughout the match but it will be Lloris who will be remembered for his performance. It is Les Blurs who move to the next round and will await for the England Croatia winner on Sunday. Belgium meanwhile will wait for the loser of that match for a third place game on Saturday.
Croatia vs England
Cam: The meme of “it’s coming home” is growing but should it. England have reached this stage by beating inferior opposition. Finished second in an easy group, played a Colombia team that had no offense spark and a Sweden team that was lucky to advance to the Quarters. Croatia are in the same boat. The Croats advanced on back to back penalty victories which could have fallen either way. If these teams were on the other side of the bracket they would have been eliminated by now.
That all being side both teams have been able to get this stage. Croatia have lined up with a 4-2-3-1 which clamps down on the midfield and plays the advancing fullbacks. Luka Modric performances have put him in front for the Golden Ball playing central of the attacking midfield or along side Ivan Rakitic in a double pivot. His best role is the former spreading the ball to Ante Rebic and Ivan Persic. The defense of England will give them any chance to advance this will be the second team they play a team that likes to hold possession, the other time was a 1-0 loss vs Belgium. Jordan Pickford has had a standout campaign and has repaid Southgates faith in the 24 year-old. Harry Kane has scored six goals but none have been of skill. Three penalties, two headed tap ins and a deflected shot put Kane in front for Golden Boot. Tripper and Young will be vital for England trying to catch Croatia up field and deliver balls off of set pieces to Maguire and Stones. Both teams have star power but Croatia have the more talented payers in my opinion and the world class abilty of Modric and Rakitic will be to much for the Three Lions.
Tincho: A very interesting semi final between two teams that have literally nothing to lose. Not many people expected England to make it past the Round of 16 meaning every game past that has exceeded expectations. Croatia took advantage of this year’s catastrophically weak Argentina side and won the group comfortably thus avoiding some of the bigger names in football. Even then, their road has not been easy. Two back to back penalty shootouts for Croatia will begin to take a toll on their player’s legs coming into the semi final. England are coming in with all the momentum in the World and with their entire country behind them. It had been years since I had seen such a confident English side. To me, few things are scarier than a young and talented side with no pressure on their shoulders. Injuries are a huge question mark to me when it comes to Croatia and again, the excessive minutes in the last two games can and will take a toll on the players especially if England dominate the possession of the ball. England has the right pieces to take down this Croatian side. I believe their dominance in the air will neutralize Mario Mandzukic thus taking away an important piece from this Croatian side. Set pieces will play a huge role this game and it might be the perfect way for England to get ahead. I have to admit, it’s coming home…
