The ‘real’ World Cup final is tonight

Given the vast number of individually talented players in both side, France vs Belgium promises to be a football spectacle and since it is the World Cup semifinal, there is added context to this tie. There have been suggestions that the World Cup final should have been played between these two sides.

The number of star players in both teams can light up any football matches and considering the big names that have been already ousted by these two teams, the clash between these two sides promises to be the best tie of the World Cup -- well at least on paper anyway.

France defeated Lionel Messi’s Argentina and Luis Suarez’s Uruguay on their way to the semifinals stage. Belgium defeated semifinalists England in the group phase and then went on to beat hot favourites Brazil in the quarterfinal following their incredible comeback victory in the Round of 16 against Japan.

The other semifinal has players like Luka Modric and Harry Kane but there should not be any doubts which tie will entice the world more.

We picked six players who could light up tonight’s match and their presence makes this game worthy of a final.

Eden Hazard is in a mesmerizing vein of form. Against Brazil in the quarters, he took his game to a whole new level while playing for his country. He completed all 10 of his dribbles against Brazil - the most dribbles attempted by a player with a 100% success rate in a World Cup match since 1966. Hazard is going to be incredibly dangerous with his ability to cut back or take players on one-on-one.

De Bruyne has been amazing at this competition, answering critics who suggested that he cannot recapture his club form for his country. He too played delightfully against Brazil and scored an amazing goal. He was at the heart of how Belgium changed their tactics to create problems for Brazil and showed his versatility playing as a ‘false 9’.

His contribution in midfield and building up play could be the deciding factor against France since he brings others like Hazard and Romalu Lukaku into play.

Lukaku has been a revelation at this World Cup. He often appeared clumsy while playing for Manchester United but his intelligence, strength and confidence have turned doubters into believers. He was Belgium’s destroyer-in-chief against Brazil and if he can outpace French defenders the same way he did Brazil’s Miranda, the game is Belgium’s for the taking.

Griezmann is so dangerous because he does not often look like he will be dangerous. He appears in the zones behind the striker and aid the more central strike partner with linkup plays and assists. He has got a good strike on him and will be a man to watch out for.

Ability to combine being everywhere with the discipline of rarely being in the wrong place. He wins the ball back for France, sets the pace of their passing and provides cover whenever it is needed. His energy levels are just outstanding.

It’s astonishing to think that the PSG striker is only 19 and yet already people are talking about him not just as a World Cup finalist but as a Ballon D’Or contender. “Based on what he is showing he obviously has that capacity,” Hazard said. “In terms of potential, as well as quality, for me he already deserves the Ballon D’Or.”

Mbappe’s pace has already lit up the World Cup and now we wait for once more for him to take our breaths away.