World Cup 2018, France vs Belgium: Key Battles within 'The Battle'

#5 Antoine Griezmann vs Marouane Fellaini and Axel Witsel

Fellaini is expected to partner Witsel in midfield for Belgium. Fellaini was brought into the starting eleven against Brazil to beef up the midfield and it worked to perfection as they negated the threat posed by Coutinho and Neymar. Against France, the two of them would be entrusted with stopping Griezmann.

Antoine Griezmann got on the scoresheet against Uruguay, albeit a little fortuitously. He also provided the cross for Varane to head home. Griezmann hasn’t scaled the heights expected of him. He has been efficient without being too extravagant. He would look at the Belgium game as the perfect opportunity to stamp his mark on the World Cup.

Griezmann likes to operate in the little pockets of space between the defence and midfield. Witsel and Fellaini would do their best to minimise this space and not let Griezmann carve out openings for his teammates.

Griezmann is one of France’s most creative players and if Belgium can stop him from creating, France could have a problem on their hands. Witsel and Fellaini are strong players. Hence, Griezmann would want to use his full repertoire of skills to escape their clutches.

For France, it is essential that Griezmann creates space for himself and makes the play. On the other hand, Belgium would hope that Witsel and Fellaini can keep Griezmann under their watch at all times. An intriguing, tactical battle lies in wait for us; a battle that would surely influence the outcome of the match.

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Who do you think will be the best player in the France-Belgium game? Tell us in the comments below!