My adopted team in the World Cup is always France. As for tonight's Belgium vs France game, France had a good run up to this point. I won't be much less happy to see the plucky Belgians go all the way tho. Just another European team at this point tbh.

My primary interest is now, how Martinez going to set up his team and how he replaces the excellent Thomas Meunier. In a sense, answers to both the questions are inextricably linked.

A return to 3-4-3 means Martinez has to use one of his midfielders/attackers. Has two at his disposal - Carrasco and Chadli. Both are more comfortable playing on the left. If he sticks to the 4-3-3 (4-3-1-2/4-3-2-1 same stuff) that he had against Brazil, he has to use one of his reserve centerbacks to do it. And again he has two at his disposal - Boyata and Vermaelen. Both of whom play primarily as centre-backs. Unfortunately, none of the replacements will be able to balance defence and attack like Meunier tonight.

I’m guessing that since the 3-4-3 has left them exposed against the Japanese, Chadli/Carrasco will be playing out of position tonight. Martinez might go for Boyata in a 4-3-3 and opt for a more defensive setup.

The offence might also see some realignment. Unlike Marcelo, Lucas Hernandez won’t leave any space for Lukaku to exploit. Martinez will play his striker through the Middle again tonight. Assuming Boyata starts as the right back, Martinez might be tempted to stick someone like Dries Mertens to the right. It will provide some width. And, drop Chadli or Fellaini to accommodate Kevin De Bruyne in the midfield. Perhaps just ahead of the other two midfielders. If that happens, then I expect Chadli to drop to the bench. Witsel and Fellaini to do the mule business so KDB can focus on creating.

Tonight's game, however, might be decided on one side of the pitch that is the Belgian Left/the French Right with Two pairs of matchups - Hazard/Pavard and Mbappe/Vertonghen. French duo is inexperienced but quicker. Belgians duo is more experienced but slower. Things look pretty even if you ask me. Vertonghen won’t get into a foot race with Mbappe. Pavard will harry Hazard all the way through.

Other matchups across the pitch might slightly favour the French. They have the outstanding defensive midfielder in Kante. The Belgian pair doesn’t come close to him. France also has a Griezmann. The best supporting striker that you can hope for, playing behind Giroud. If KDB does the same with Lukaku, the Belgians might have an edge over there as Lukaku looked a far menacing striker than the lanky Frenchman.

Very little to say about the dour French side. Looks more intent on grinding out results than turning on the style. I expect Matuidi to come back in for Tolisso to share the legwork on the left of Kante. Pogba might have to share some as well as Hazard will be cutting in from the left.

Anyways, whoever the Managers put out Everything points to a great tactical game tonight.

Viva La #France