This is the game I've been looking forward to most since the Portugal-Spain clash. 

Expected line-ups: 

France: Lloris, Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Lucas, Pogba, Kante, Tolisso, Mbappe, Griezmann, Giroud. 
Potentially Matuidi replaces Tolisso, as he's back from suspension

Belgium: Courtouis, Alderweireled, Vertonghen, Kompany, Carrasco, Fellaini, Witsel, Chadli, De Bruyne, Hazard, Lukaku 

I think both of these defenses are fallible, so we should have plenty of chances at goals with lots of acrobatics from two capable keepers. Belgiium will be a bit weaker without Meunier, so expect France to target them on the right. 

Thinking France has the upper hand here, and may take this 2-0 or 2-1.

Don't think Belgium's strengths - which were evident against Brazil - will translate well against France. While Belgium may still be taller, there are plenty of strong aerial defenders on the French team (Varane, Giroud, Pogba, etc.). Then you have Hazard vs Kante, which may end as a draw or with a slight advantage to Hazard. Finally, don't see Lukaku getting much love against a far stronger French midfield and defense.

Giroud may find the game hard, but I think Mbappe is set for another stormer. There's a serious lack of pace in Belgium's midfield and defense, he'll just have to overcome the rough stuff from Fellaini/Witsel.

Rather France won but have a feeling boring Belgium will progress

"No. This is just an opportunity for him to learn the job without any pressure," says Arsene Wenger.

I want a Belgium - Croatia final but I expect a France - England final. Hope I'm wrong.

i wouldnt mind seeing England/France final. or England/Belgium.. Croatia are the last of the 4 teams i want in the final though. i mean, i have English and French heritage somewhere along the line (and German as well, but that ship sailed long ago in this WC).. and Belgium, well they bring us the largest electronic dance festival and............. waffles? (perhaps chocolate too) oh, and they have Thierry as a coach. Croatia, i just don't have any affinity for even though i was rooting for them over Russia or Denmark.. I don't dislike them per se, just like the other teams more.

USArsenal wrote:

i wouldnt mind seeing England/France final.  or England/Belgium..  Croatia are the last of the 4 teams i want in the final though.  i mean, i have English and French heritage somewhere along the line (and German as well, but that ship sailed long ago in this WC)..  and Belgium, well they bring us the largest electronic dance festival and............. waffles? (perhaps chocolate too)  oh, and they have Thierry as a coach.  Croatia, i just don't have any affinity for even though i was rooting for them over Russia or Denmark.. I don't dislike them per se, just like the other teams more.

😆 you're making this up as you go along right mate

I mainly want Croatia/Belgium as they've never won it before.

Also Croatia, 'cos they've a smaller population than Ireland, and if they can do it... 😆

banduan wrote:
USArsenal wrote:

i wouldnt mind seeing England/France final.  or England/Belgium..  Croatia are the last of the 4 teams i want in the final though.  i mean, i have English and French heritage somewhere along the line (and German as well, but that ship sailed long ago in this WC)..  and Belgium, well they bring us the largest electronic dance festival and............. waffles? (perhaps chocolate too)  oh, and they have Thierry as a coach.  Croatia, i just don't have any affinity for even though i was rooting for them over Russia or Denmark.. I don't dislike them per se, just like the other teams more.

😆 you're making this up as you go along right mate

you clearly have not seen the ultra-annoying volkswagen commercials here in the US.  lol.. 

(America, sorry you aren't in the tournament, but consider rooting for X or Y because of this or that).  one of them was "Root for Belgium, we host the largest electronic dance festival"  (i just added the waffles and chocolate bit)

Ronaldo is over shadowing this game :/

Some poor touches for France in the box, they look like being able to open up Belgium fairly easily though.

Mbappe’s speed is just insane.

This is why Hazard will never be the very best. A moron when it comes to decision making.

Martinez being extremely brave to play a proper 352 without wingbacks today because France have no pace with their fullbacks

De bruyne speed of thought is incredible

Since when can Hazard hit the ball so hard with his weaker foot?

How the fuck did he save that? Amazing

Clrnc wrote:

Martinez being extremely brave to play a proper 352 without wingbacks today because France have no pace with their fullbacks

Hernandez is pretty quick, no ?

Belgium very impressive so far