Belgium assess the match against France in the 2018 World Cup semifinals at the St Petersburg Stadium on Wednesday (11/7), will be more difficult than against Brazil.
Belgium qualified for the semifinals after eliminating Brazil 2-1 in the quarter-final match at Kazan Arena Stadium on Friday (6/7). Belgium scored through Fernandinho’s suicide and Kevin De Bruyne’s goal, while Brazil only retaliated through Renato Augusto.
In the match, Brazil dominated with 57 percent control of the ball and release 26 experiments that nine of them on target. While Belgium is only 43 percent control of the ball and release eight experiments that three of them on target.
Nevertheless, Belgium defender Thomas Vermaelen said France would be much harder to face than Selecao which they had thrown out in the previous round.
“A few hours after the game against Brazil, the focus has been straight to the match against France, because our ambition to win the final,” said Vermaelen.
“France has always been one seed to win the tournament, maybe that [against France] will be a tougher match than against Brazil,” Vermaelen added.
According to Barcelona defender, the Belgium squad is now more confident for the semi-final match after defeating Brazil. By highlighting one of the champions favorites, Vermaelen called the now-trained Belgium Roberto Martinez has a chance to win at the 2018 World Cup.
“Now we want to continue until the end,” said Vermaelen. “If we can not get to the final, or do not become world champions, it will be disappointing.
Although Belgium confidence does not want to be rash when against France. Because Les Bleus is the same as Belgium which has many star players. One that Vermaelen highlighted was the young striker Kylian Mbappe.
“For me, Mbappe is the best player in the France team, he is very fast and can determine every game with an instant,” said Vermaelen.
“But there are also other players like Ousmane Dembele, Olivier Giroud, or N’Golo Kante who have their own qualities and strong,” the 32-year-old added.
