Vermaelen expects France to be tougher than Brazil

The defender believes Belgium can go all the way

Thomas Vermaelen is one of four Barcelona players left at the World Cup and is expecting a really tough clash against France in the semi-finals.

The match sees Vermaelen come up against Barca team-mates Samuel Umtiti and Ousmane Dembele, and the winner will go on to face Croatia or England in the final.

Belgium knocked out favourites Brazil in the last round, but Vermaelen feels France will be even more difficult to beat.

“France were one of the favourites before the World Cup and I think the game will be tougher than against Brazil because of their individual quality,” he said.

“I think they are a lot stronger in defence, I feel it’s going to be a hard tussle.

“We want desperately to get to the final and go on and win because if it doesn’t happen it will forever be a disappointment. Our ambition is to go on and win the final.

“I believe in it of course, especially as we find ourselves in the semi-finals having knocked out one of the top favourites.

“We’ve also shown we can play attractive football, we’ve come back from some difficult moments against Japan. It would be absurd to say we don’t believe.”

Source | Reuters

Vermaelen has featured in the games against England and Brazil and will be hoping to be involved against France on Tuesday.

Source: barcablaugranes.com