Football: Belgium have the belief, style and substance

Their ability to play and win in a variety of ways makes them very dangerous opponents for France

De Bruyne (above) has emerged as arguably the tournament's finest all-action playmaker, marrying driving runs with incisive passing and ferocious shooting. PHOTO: REUTERS
PHOTO: REUTERS
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The roadblock on the path to glory seemed huge.

Belgium had landed themselves in the wrong half of the draw. They faced the tournament favourites, the five-time World Cup winners. They duly beat Brazil.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 10, 2018, with the headline Football: Belgium have the belief, style and substance. Subscribe