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The Red Devils have had a very successful 2018 FIFA World Cup so far. Having won all their group games decisively, Belgium have remained unbeaten in the World Cup thus far.
Roberto Martinez's tactics played an influential part in Belgium's miraculous 3-2 comeback victory against Japan and comprehensive 2-1 victory against Brazil in the quarter-finals.
He also exploited the pace of Lukaku by playing him on the wing and gave De Bruyne the freedom to play a more attacking role by playing Fellaini in midfield. Hence, Brazil couldn't handle the change of style of counter attack and their change of formation to 5-3-2 while defending.
France, on the other hand topped their group with narrow victories over Australia and Peru and played an indecisive draw against Denmark. However, they were dominant against Argentina and Uruguay in the knockout stages.
They will depend on their star players like Pogba, Griezmann, Lloris and Mbappe to help them seal a spot in the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Belgium will depend upon Martinez's match awareness, Henry's experience as a French legend and the ability of their players to overcome a strong French side in the first semi-final.
Let us look at the 3 reasons why Belgium can overcome France and reach the finals.
#3 Over-reliance of France on Mbappe
Mbappe has arguably been the best young player at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. His tremendous pace, cool finishing and great dribbling ability has been an asset for France.
Having become the second youngest player after Pele to score 2 goals in a match, his scintillating pace blew away the Argentinian side quite successfully in the Round of 16.
Having scored 3 goals in the World Cup so far, France have great expectations for him to shine again against Belgium in the semi-finals. In a way, France are over-dependent on Mbappe to create attacks from the right wing due to his marvelous pace.
It is quite obvious that Martinez will use Chadli to mitigate any threat posed by him and hence it might prove to be a difficult game for Mbappe and France.
Hence, France shouldn't be over-reliant on Mbappe in the semi finals.
#2 Tactician Martinez and Thierry Henry's knowledge of the French team
Martinez is a top contestant for the manager of the year award. He has rotated his squad cleverly and his perfectly timed substitutions have made a massive impact for Belgium throughout the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
When Belgium was trailing 0-2 against Japan, Martinez kept his cool and brought on Chadli and Fellaini. They repaid his faith and scored a goal each to help Belgium complete a 3-2 comeback in the thrilling Round of 16 match.
In the decisive quarter-final match against Brazil, Martinez cleverly changed his formation to 5-3-2 and brought in Chadli to the starting XI to provide cover for Vertonghen against Willian's terrific pace and also brought in Fellaini to add muscle in the midfield and give more freedom to De Bruyne to venture forward.
His strategy and changes in the starting XI inspired Belgium to beat the 5 time World Champions Brazil 2-1.
Martinez, who also has French legend Thierry Henry as his assistant will look to counter France's midfield strength by again playing Fellaini.
Being a legendary player for France and having played with Deschamps, Henry will know the French style of play and also the tactics of his former teammate Deschamps. Henry's valuable experience will come in handy for Belgium against France in the semi-finals.
#1 Talisman Hazard
Hazard has been Belgium's X-factor at the 2018 FIFA World Cup so far. His performance and terrific form have been one of the key reasons for Belgium's success in the tournament.
Being the captain of Belgium, he has led from the front and his leadership was quite inspiring for the Belgian players particularly in the round of 16 and quarter-finals.
His performance against Brazil was his best so far in the tournament. Despite not scoring a goal against Brazil, his superb runs and his ability to shield the ball from the Brazilian defense during the dying minutes of the game was praise-worthy and secured the 2-1 victory.
His wonderful pace, technical abilities and game awareness will certainly torment the French defense and hence he will be a key player for Belgium in the semi-final.
