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The 2018 FIFA World Cup is approaching a dramatic end as 60 matches have been played and only 4 sides are left standing - France, Belgium, England and Croatia. As the semi-finals begin tonight, France and Belgium take on one another in the first semi-final while England and Croatia face off in the second one.
Many players have been exceptional in the tournament while many others have only disappointed. This World Cup has been an extremely surprising one with many shock results arising.
The early exit of big teams like Argentina, Germany, Spain and Brazil surprised the world. On the other hand, teams like Croatia and England have surpassed expectations. Several players have been impressive so far, but only 92 players are remaining in the competition.
The semi-finals are going to be very interesting and intense and every player will be expected to put in his 100%. Keeping that in mind, here is a look at 5 of the best players you should keep an eye on in the semi-finals.
These 5 players will play important parts for their respective teams and could even decide the fate of their national teams:
#5 Luka Modric - Croatia
Real Madrid midfielder and Croatia's captain, Luka Modric is easily Croatia's best player. He has played 485 minutes in the competition, which is the most for any player on the team. Modric has led from the front in most games and has been a superb performer.
He has scored 2 goals and 1 assisted one so far due to which he is Croatia's leading goalscorer.
Modric will be very crucial to Croatia's chances when they take on England in the second semi-final. His passing and reading of the game could very well decide the game in Croatia's favour. On the other hand, if Modric has a bad game, Croatia might suffer and find themselves on a plane back home.
#4 Romelu Lukaku - Belgium
Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku scored 27 goals for the club across all competitions in the 2017-18 season, which happens to be his career-best tally. Fortunately for Belgium, he has brought his form into the World Cup as well.
Lukaku has already scored 4 goals and notched 1 assist, making him Belgium's top goalscorer and second in the Golden Boot rankings, behind Harry Kane. The 25-year-old has linked up very well with Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard, wreaking havoc on most sides they have played.
Against France, Lukaku will have to put in yet another dazzling performance if Belgium need to beat France. A couple of magical moments is all Lukaku needs to turn the game on its head and a lot will depend on him in the first semi-final.
#3 Harry Kane - England
England's captain Harry Kane has been an excellent leader in this competition. The Tottenham Hotspur striker has netted 6 goals in the tournament while all the other England players have scored a total of 5 goals.
The Three Lions have played relatively easier teams till now and the match against Croatia will be their biggest test. The entire team will look to Kane yet again for inspiration and the 24-year-old will have to carry the extreme weight of expectations.
However, in the last few years, we have seen that Kane thrives on pressure and expectations. He calm and composed mannerism will be a very important factor if England are to beat Croatia.
If Kane can score 1 or 2 goals in this match, it can make all the difference and can comfortably take England to the finals of the World Cup.
#2 Kylian Mbappe - France
Kylian Mbappe has been breaking records for fun in the competition. This 19-year-old is truly gifted and became the first teenager to score 2 goals in a single game since Pele.
He has been a key figure in France's success so far as his speed and ability on the ball have left the world stunned. Mbappe is one of the most exciting players in the world at the moment and it almost seems like he will do something or the other whenever he has the ball at his feet.
Mbappe has played 354 minutes and has scored 3 goals already, making him the joint-highest goalscorer for France along with Antoine Griezmann. Against Belgium, Mbappe will be unleashed down the right wing and the teenager will use his unbelievable speed and acceleration to get the better of Belgium's defence.
If Mbappe can break past Belgium's defence, it will certainly be very hard to stop him from scoring a goal or two. He also draws defenders towards himself, leaving players like Olivier Giroud and Griezmann with a little more space.
#1 Eden Hazard - Belgium
The number 1 candidate for the World Cup Golden Ball, Eden Hazard has been an electrifying presence in Belgium's attack. The Chelsea player has been in very good touch and has been a crucial part of this Belgium side.
He has been one of the best players in the competition so far, with 2 goals and 2 assists, which prove that he can not just score goals, but can also set them up perfectly for his teammates.
Hazard's creativity, control and speed will greatly benefit Belgium when they take on the formidable France team. If France manage to keep Hazard silent, Belgium could struggle. However, if he flourishes, then there could be no stopping Belgium.
