For a dominant midfielder aiming to make their mark in the latter stages of an international tournament, Zinedine Zidane undisputably remains the benchmark in the modern era.
Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic is in career-best form at the World Cup, according to coach Zlatko Dalic.
England midfielder Jordan Henderson is hopeful over his fitness ahead of his team’s World Cup semi-final against Croatia.
England manager Gareth Southgate has no doubt that winning the 2018 World Cup would result in his players being even more revered than those who guided the country to their last success in 1966.
Thomas Vermaelen picked out Kylian Mbappe as the major threat to Belgium’s chances of making their first appearance at a World Cup final, saying the 19-year-old forward can ‘decide every match in a flash’.
FourFourTwoSA selects the World Cup team of the quarter-finals as Belgium stars Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne steal the show, writes DEAN WORKMAN.
Before you make your Superbru picks for the World Cup semi-final action, take a look at FourFourTwo’s predictions as Kylian Mbappe looks set to lead France past Belgium to reach the final.
Domagoj Vida says his pro-Ukraine comments in a social media video were not a political message, with the Croatia defender having avoided a World Cup ban.
Kylian Mbappe is a phenomenon who will scare opponents such as World Cup semi-finalists Belgium, says former France coach Laurent Blanc.
England eased past Sweden to set-up a clash with Croatia, while Luka Modric and Co ended the Russian dream after edging them on penalties.