FIFA World Cup 2018: A team that can take on world champions France

France v Croatia - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Final

Midfielders

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Football: Belgium vs England at World Cup
Kevin de Bruyne was the heart of Belgian midfield

Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)

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Kevin De Bruyne was at the heart of the Belgian midfield in the World Cup and one of the main driving forces to a record third finish at the quadrennial event. His unparalleled technique and wide range of passes were one of the main factors that Belgium dominated the midfield. Whether it was constructing chances from midfield or penetrating the opposition's defence, his vision and execution were the epitome of perfection.

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His most crucial contributions came in the games against Brazil and England (the 3rd place match). The Manchester City midfielder sliced open the Brazilian defence to net a winner against the five-time champions. He assisted Eden Hazard in the second goal against the Three Lion which assured bronze for Belgium.


Luka Modric (Croatia)

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Luka Modric was the Golden Ball winner

Let's embrace the truth- Croatia shy of Modric were good enough to exit in the group stage, or at most in the Round of 16. The 32-year-old was the lynch-pin of the Croatian line up as he led them to their best finish.

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Modric in the midfield made the difference for Croatia on both halves of the ground as he made some stellar passes and hardly ever gave away the ball. His goal against Argentina was easily one of the best of the tournament.

It was the aura of the Golden Ball winner that the East European nation ended up on the winning side in three encounters that ran into the extra time. The display of his wide array of skills in the second half of the semi-final was one of his best in the tournament.

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Modric is also the captain of our team and truly deserves to win the Ballon d'Or for his courageous outing in Russia.


Ivan Perisic (Croatia)

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Perisic put up a brilliant display in Russia

Another Croatian in the lineup, his combination with Modric and De Bruyne promises to form a lethal trio. Perisic was the metaphor for tireless and indomitable display in the World Cup. His controversial handling of the ball might be trending now, but he was more in news for the right reasons. He was the mainstay of the Croatian midfield along with his captain Modric.

He found the net 3 times in the World Cup. His hair-raising goal and assist in the semifinal win against England and an equaliser in the final are a testimony to his emphatic run in the tournament.

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Edited by Raunak J
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