STAR MAN: KYLIAN MBAPPE
The 19-year-old Paris Saint-Germain prodigy caused concern by missing training yesterday, even though coach Didier Deschamps insisted all his players would be available for selection against Belgium. His inclusion will be vital for France. Already, this World Cup has underlined Mbappe’s status as a potential great. A mesmerising, two-goal show in the last 16 was arguably the most impressive individual performance of the entire competition. Argentina’s decision to play a fairly high defensive line, despite a lack of pace, may have aided Mbappe’s cause, but his speed and close control still verged on otherworldly. The boy wonder’s contribution against Uruguay was more muted — against far better drilled opponents — yet still essential to France’s progression into the semi-finals. The only negative was a feeble slice of play-acting in the second half following a minor collision with Cristian Rodriguez. DEFENCE
Three clean sheets from five World Cup games so far for a back four that has Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris behind it. Raphael Varane and Samuel Umtiti form a classy centre-back partnership, but it is the players at their sides who have been surprise heroes for the French so far. Right-back Benjamin Pavard’s sensational goal against Argentina could be the best of the tournament, while left-back Lucas Hernandez has performed with every ounce of grit expected from an Atletico Madrid employee.
MIDFIELD N’Golo Kante’s exceptional skills at screening the defence have been a huge part of French progression. He will need to be at his best to blunt the brilliant Belgians but the 27-year-old rarely disappoints. In front of Kante, Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi — free from suspension — have been solid rather than outstanding but both help the system click.
ATTACK Like Stephane Guivarc’h in their 1998 triumph, Olivier Giroud has become the non-scoring striker who aids the team. Despite barely having a chance, the Chelsea forward plays an important role in fashioning space for Antoine Griezmann and Mbappe.