Written by Timilehin Adebiyi
The first semi finals of the 2018 World Cup was played last night at the Saint Petersburg stadium in front of 64,286 spectators. The game turned out to be a fairly even match with both teams conservative in their approach.
Here are some of the lesson we picked up from the game
1. France Should Win the 2018 World Cup:
The current crop of players in the French national team has what it takes to lift the 2018 World Cup, and the win over a star studded Belgian team is another testament to that fact. France knocked out Argentina and Uruguay two South American nation with a rich footballing history and now they have dispatched Belgium. Folks, I won’t bet against them in the final match.
2. Kevin De Bruyne is NOT a Winger:
Belgium coach Roberto Martinez decided to play Kevin De Bruyne on the right wing. That decision turned out to be a very poor one. De Bruyne is a fantastic attacking midfielder playing him on the right winger limited his presence in the game. Though, he saw lots of the ball, but he could do nothing productive with (Kudos to the French defence) it. In the game against Brazil, De Bruyne had more space to roam because he was playing in his most preferred position, so why drop a very exciting winger in Deries Mertins for a more defensive Dembele?
3. Kylian Mbappe will win the Ballon D’Or before Neymar:
Believe it or not Mbappe is going to win the Ballon D’Or before his club teammate Neymar. Mbappe is swift, intelligent and don’t forget he has a black man blood in him. Neymar on the other hand is more of an actor than a footballer. If Mbappe continues with this form, he his sure to be the next GOAT.
4. Paul Pogba and N’golo Kante is match made in Heaven:
I think France coach Didier Deschamps has found the perfect role for Pogba. Paul has yet to fully showcase his talent in Man United because he played in a more attacking position. With Kante by his side, the duo was able to contain and control Belgium’s attacking threat. Pogba is a better defensive midfielder than an attacking one, take note Jose.
5. Hazard will probably leave Chelsea:
CR7 joining Juventus was all over the news yesterday, He joined the Old Lady after a trophy laden spell with Real Madrid. The search for the perfect replacement has began. Eden Hazard will be one of the names that will be linked to Real Madrid, and if Madrid tabled a serious bid, Hazard may just be on his way to the biggest club in the world.