STAR MAN: KEVIN DE BRUYNE
Manchester City’s playmaker had filled a deeper role in the Belgian midfield during the tournament but truly flourished at its apex against Brazil. The result of the alteration was spectacular. Orchestrating a first-half demolition of the tournament favourites, knowing Marouane Fellaini and Axel Witsel had his back, De Bruyne crowned a fine performance with the arrowed finish that put Belgium two goals in front. The 27-year-old is the creative brain of this Golden Generation side, the man whose sublime promptings can draw the very best from the brilliance of Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku. France could deploy arch-disrupter N’Golo Kante against him but De Bruyne’s appreciation of space and angles, his weight of pass, is close to unrivalled when he hits peak form. His display against Brazil suggested he is approaching that status. Following up in the biggest game of his life will be essential for Belgian hopes of a first-ever appearance in a World Cup final.
DEFENCE Right wing-back Thomas Meunier is suspended, meaning a reshuffle for boss Roberto Martinez. Toby Alderweireld, Vincent Kompany and Jan Vertonghen should fill the three centre-back roles. While not short on quality, that trio’s life is made easier by knowing Thibaut Courtois is at their back. The Chelsea goalkeeper faced 27 shots against Brazil but was only beaten once.
MIDFIELD Martinez tweaked his system against Brazil to have De Bruyne playing almost as a false nine, while Witsel and Fellaini offered protection behind him. Although often maligned, Fellaini’s performance was singled out by TV pundits Rio Ferdinand and Jurgen Klinsmann as being vital to Belgium’s first-half dominance on Friday night.
ATTACK Lukaku has four goals to his name so far and was hugely effective when deployed to attack from the right by Martinez against Brazil. While the Manchester United man can bulldoze a defence with his marriage of power and skill, the bewitching feet of Hazard will present an equally difficult problem for the French back four.