The performance against Brazil was a tactical masterclass in order to upset the odds with Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne pushed into a more forward position.
The team clicked on that occasion as they took advantage of De Bruyne’s favoured position with Marouane Fellaini replacing Dries Mertens to give a more defensive mindset in the middle of the park.
The former Chelsea and Wolfsburg star scored the second goal and was influential alongside his Premier League counterparts, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard, in the front three.
Their floating positions with De Bruyne in the middle and the Manchester United and Chelsea forwards mainly wider caused Brazil back four multiple problems. He stated he enjoyed the position but is willing to play anywhere in order to win the World Cup.
"“World Cups don’t happen every day, you get to play in them perhaps two or three times in your life, if you’re lucky. I don’t feel pressure, but I’m excited about playing in a very special match.” – Kevin De Bruyne"
They will come up against a better defence in France, however, goals are there to be scored if the game becomes open. Argentina managed three goals in vain while Uruguay tested Hugo Lloris goal multiple times.
Next: Jorginho latest and promising keeper set to be sold
Ahead of the semi-final against France, the Belgium manager has spoken highly of one of his star players, who was widely considered the best player in Premier League last season.
"“We appreciate him in every role. It is essential to have a player like Kevin who can play different roles. He plays as a number six, as a number eight, as a false nine, he can play out wide. Apart from goalkeeper, I could tell you he can perform in any position. That’s the quality that he has.” – Roberto Martinez"
The tactics remain unknown with Martinez not revealing the line-up in his pre-match news conference. The City midfielder is likely to remain in the front three as France’s threat will require preferred defensive midfielders guarding the centre-backs.
If so, he will get his wish after looking frustrated in the group stages and the first 60 minutes against Japan in his more restricted role. Man City Square predicted he will have better tournament if he was pushed further forward.
The one worry for the Red Devils is the defence as Thomas Meunier misses through suspension with Nacer Chaldi and Yannick Carrasco tasked with dealing with France’s threat in the wider positions.
Vincent Kompany will be in that line-up and will be guarding Thibaut Courtois goal in order to make the country’s first appearance in the final.