France vs Belgium: No goals, no problem as Giroud eyes glory

France striker Olivier Giroud has helped the team to winning performances without scoring, a trend he would happily continue versus Belgium.

Published : Jul 08, 2018 22:04 IST

Goals have proved elusive for a player whose place in the France line-up has long been a source of national debate in his homeland but two more wins are all that count for 31-year-old.
Goals have proved elusive for a player whose place in the France line-up has long been a source of national debate in his homeland but two more wins are all that count for 31-year-old.
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Goals have proved elusive for a player whose place in the France line-up has long been a source of national debate in his homeland but two more wins are all that count for 31-year-old.

Olivier Giroud would have no qualms about finishing Russia 2018 without a goal to his name if France finishes by lifting the World Cup.

Didier Deschamps' side take on Belgium in Tuesday's St Petersburg semi-final – a game that will be graced by a raft of prime attacking and creative talents on both sides.

Chelsea striker Giroud began the tournament as a substitute but was introduced for Les Bleus' 1-0 win over Peru in their second match.

His robust presence at centre-forward has helped to unleash the lavish gifts of Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe – most notably when the latter tore Argentina apart with a virtuoso display.

Goals have proved elusive for a player whose place in the France line-up has long been a source of national debate in his homeland but two more wins are all that count for 31-year-old.

"If I didn't score all tournament but we won the World Cup, of course I would take that in a heartbeat," Giroud told a news conference.

"I am motivated to speak with the youngest in the squad. I try and force myself to speak up. I really want my thirst for victory to come across to them," he added.

READ: Hugo is best - Giroud favours Lloris over Courtois

Belgium's forwards are receiving similarly sage words from France great Thierry Henry, who is a key member of Roberto Martinez's backroom team.

"I would be delighted if I can prove to Thierry Henry that he chose the wrong camp. I would've preferred him to be with us, for him to give me and the other French attackers advice, but I am not jealous."

Nacer Chadli was Belgium's unlikely match-winner from the bench in their 3-2 last-16 win over Japan, earning a start at left wing-back for the quarter-final beating of Brazil that kept confidence coursing through the Red Devils squad.

"If you beat Brazil you should not be frightened by anyone," Chadli told reporters. "If you are scared, you will not play at 100 per cent. The fight against Japan was already a turning point, after a 2-0 deficit and still winning within 90 minutes. We got a boost there."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

France: Paul Pogba

Finding a role where Pogba can perform to his full potential is arguably a code Deschamps still has to crack but the Manchester United midfielder performed with authority in the 2-0 quarter-final win over Uruguay, winning 14 duels – ironically the type of numbers Jose Mourinho would be delighted to see him return more often on a regular basis.

Belgium: Kevin De Bruyne

In an arguable parallel with Pogba, De Bruyne was shackled by a deep-lying midfield role earlier in the competition. He was unleashed in a roving attacking position to devastating effect against Brazil, scoring with a wonderfully sweet strike. If the Manchester City man can produce more of the same France is in for a long night.

KEY STATS

- Antoine Griezmann has scored seven goals in his last six knockout-stage matches in major tournaments, beginning with his Golden Boot-clinching displays at Euro 2016.
- Romelu Lukaku has been directly involved in 20 goals in his last 13 games for Belgium in all competitions, with 17 goals and three assists.
- France's Kylian Mbappe (three goals) is the highest scoring teenager in a World Cup tournament since Pele scored six in 1958. Pele hit a hat-trick against France in the semi-final of that tournament and is the last player under 20 to score in the final four.
- Eden Hazard has been directly involved in 14 goals in his last 14 games for Belgium. (Eight goals, six assists)

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