Lloris ready for ultimate examination
HE’S widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the world, but Hugo Lloris knows he will have to count on all his talents to keep Belgium at bay tonight.
Lloris, set to make his 103rd international appearance, will be facing a Belgian team that has scored a tournament-leading 14 goals in five matches. ‘I think Belgium are the most complete side in the tournament, in all aspects of the game,’ he said.
‘They defend well. They know how to attack well. They know how to counter-attack. They’re good in the air and on the ground.’
Belgium offer multiple threats, including the speed and trickery of forward Eden Hazard and the strength and finishing of striker Romelu Lukaku, who has scored four goals in Russia. Then there’s the heading ability of defenders Jan Vertonghen and Vincent Kompany, and of midfielder Marouane Fellaini.
They will be coming into the match after rallying from a 2-0 deficit to beat Japan 3-2 in the last 16, followed up by a quality performance in beating Brazil 2-1 in the quarter-finals.
‘They are a great side and have a fantastic generation of players. To beat them, we’ll have to play extremely well and need to make our own luck,’ continued Lloris.
‘We know there will be some tough moments in the game, and we’ll have to be ready to suffer. But we will be, because there’s a great spirit in this side.’
Lloris has faced the majority of Belgium’s side when playing for Tottenham and added: ‘Most of them play in the Premier League, so we know them well. For my part, I have three Tottenham teammates. There will be a lot of great players on the pitch.’
Stopping them will be a different matter.
Belgium saw off Japan with the most thrilling of endings, scoring the winner in stoppage-time after coming back from being two goals down.
Against Brazil, they showed just what a skilful side they are — their second goal scored by Kevin De Bruyne was magnificent.
‘I think the Belgians will arrive with a lot of confidence,’ said Lloris.
‘We’re going to face one of the best attacking teams. We will have to play in a very structured way, give them as little space as possible.’
With the second-youngest squad at the World Cup, France have excelled and advanced to the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2006. The team is supplemented by 19-year-old forward Kylian Mbappe and a pair of inexperienced attacking full-backs in Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez.
None played in the Euro 2016 final where France lost to Portugal, but several others did — including Lloris, midfielder Paul Pogba, forward Antoine Griezmann and striker Olivier Giroud.
‘It still hurts because we missed out on something exceptional in becoming European champions. You might get that chance again, but it’s better to seize it when you get it,’ said France coach Didier Deschamps. ‘Now we have the chance to play in the World Cup final. We have to do everything we can to take it.’
Belgium are in uncharted territory for their World Cup semi-final but believe their team spirit and togetherness can ensure they carry on their extraordinary journey in Russia.
‘The players have been working together extraordinarily well for many years, and they deserve to be exactly where they are today,’ manager Roberto Martinez.
‘We need to be the best version of ourselves.’