Rich pool of talent inspiring Belgium

BUOYED by their biggest ever win, Belgium’s golden generation have vowed to take on France in a bid to create history by reaching the World Cup final for the first time.

Belgium arrived in Russia armed with one of the most expensive attacks and their values have only soared after a barnstorming run of five wins plus a tournament- high 14 goals – England and Russia are next on 11.

Valued at $ 2.23 billion, France’s youthful side entered the World Cup as the most expensive team, according to a study done by Swiss- based study group CIES, ahead of England at $ 2.19 billion and Brazil at $ 2 billion.

Belgium started at No. 7, valued at $ 1.32 billion, but that has since risen.

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba and defenders Rafael Varane and Samuel Umtiti are also highly valued players.

But Belgium’s rock- star attack is collectively more expensive, led by Kevin De Bruyne ($ 261.12 million), Romelu Lukaku ($ 261 million), Eden Hazard ($ 197.8 million) and Napoli’s Tottenham target Dries Mertens ($ 117 million).

Teen sensation Kylian Mbappe ($ 298 million) will be the most expensive player on the St Petersburg pitch in tomorrow morning’s semi- final but Belgium’s fearsome collective, which steamrolled fivetime champions Brazil, will take some stopping.

“We are on an equal footing with France, we will try and do everything we can physically and mentally, that’s all we can do,” De Bruyne said.

“( France) is an extraordinary team, but when you reach the semi- final stage of the World Cup you won’t find ordinary opposition.”