Belgium-France.eps
Mochón Losada, Sonia
One day Belgium looked at France with nostalgia, almost admiration. He was her neighbor, at the same time her unreachable mirror. Especially in soccer. The 11 million Belgians could not approach the 70 million French. Neither in number, nor in talent. But all that changed.
Belgium went from 68th place in the FIFA ranking to the 1st place it has held for three years. Suddenly, the invisible rivals began to challenge the big favorites, especially after the arrival of Roberto Martinez. Meanwhile, the French followed their own, they even went world champions in 2018. On the way they left, precisely, the Belgians. It was in the semifinals. That game is still remembered with pain by the Red Devils.
That same duel is playing now in the semi-finals of the Nations League, in cold Turin (follow the match live on As.com). It is true that both come from important skids in the Eurocup. France abused arrogance before Switzerland, in eighths, very soon; Belgium was taken ahead by the future champion Italy, In rooms. Soon too.
Their selections remain almost intact since then. Yes indeed, France will have the very hard loss of Kanté in midfield. “He has six lungs and thirty-six legs,” said the Belgian. Witsel, who today will breathe calmer in his area without the midfielder of the Chelsea.
The semifinals also serve to put on the table two names that arouse different emotions among the Madrid fans. On the one hand, the gazelle Mbappé, whose week of interviews is considered the definitive declaration of love for Madrid. ANDhe other character of the party, almost unpublished this time, is Hazard. His coach in the national team is already one of the few who trusts him after his ordeal with injuries.
It is not a World Cup. It is not a European Championship. But it is a luxury Nations League with the best stars in Europe. This is where they speak best. On the lawn, its territory.