France vs Belgium - How will Red Devils cope without suspended Meunier?

Belgium’s 2-1 win over Brazil came at a cost. The Red Devils certainly impressed in an opening half hour blitz with a Fernandinho own goal and a Kevin De Bruyne arrow sending Belgium into an unassailable 2-0 lead. Renato Augusto may have pulled one back, while a fine Thibaut Courtois stop denied Neymar a late equaliser, but Roberto Martinez and Belgium won’t have minded the second half backs-to-the-wall display as they landed their semi-final spot. 

However, while victory was undeniably welcomed, Thomas Meunier’s suspension serves as a blow for the Red Devils. The PSG right-back has excelled in a wing-back role for Roberto Martinez’s side this summer, but his second half yellow card has ruled him out of the semi-final meeting with France. His absence will hinder Belgium in their pursuit of a spot in the final and it remains to be seen how Martinez deals without Meunier. 

The Spaniard elected to use a 4-3-3 formation for the 2-1 win over Brazil, with Meunier in a more reserved right-back role in order to counter Brazil, which then saw Jan Vertonghen deployed at left-back. It could prove he uses a similar setup against France and that would see Nacer Chadli, who started on the left of a midfield three, move to right-back, with one of Mousa Dembele or Youri Tielemans coming into the side. 

Alternatively, it could be that Martinez aims to bolster the backline and opts to bring Thomas Vermaelen into the side. The 32-year-old has registered just 81 minutes of World Cup action so far and was a late introduction against Brazil as Martinez sought to solidify the defence. His inclusion would likely see Jan Vertonghen then pushed to left wing-back and Chadli switching to right wing-back if Martinez elects to revert to a three-man defence. 

Yannick Carrasco’s return is also a possibility, but after his disappointing showing in the 3-2 win over Japan, Martinez is unlikely to call upon the winger again, and that means one of Dembele, Tielemans or Vermaelen will be expected to start in Tuesday’s semi-final clash. However, without Meunier, Belgium are robbed of a key attacking player. The PSG man proved his credentials at Euro 2016 and he’s continued his flying performances down the wing in Russia. 

His WhoScored.com rating (7.25) is one of the best for Belgium while no player has registered more assists than the 26-year-old (2) at the World Cup. 1.8 key passes per game is the fourth best for Belgium, while 1.8 tackles per game also ranks highly. It puts ample pressure on Chadli, his expected deputy, to replicate the attacking threat Muenier carries, which is easier said than done. 

It remains to be seen how Belgium setup against France, but a 4-3-3 system seems the most likely path forward, with Chadli at right-back and Vertonghen at left-back. However, without being able to call upon Meunier, Martinez is without one of his star men and it may come back to haunt the Red Devils in their bid to lift the World Cup.