The France versus Belgium semifinal is very much like a domestic derby game. It may not have the bitterness that entails a local club derby, but for two countries that share more than just a border—they share a language, cultural similarities and diplomatic ties—it makes the tie all the more interesting.
For Paul Pogba and Kevin De Bruyne, two players who form the heart of these sides, facing each other in a derby is a familiar situation. Playing on opposites sides in Manchester, the two are the ideal players of the styles of play preferred by their club bosses. The impact that the two players have on their national sides is very similar.
Pogba is a typical Jose Mourinho boy. He is tall, strong and has a commanding presence in midfield, instrumental in both attack and defence. For the French side, his contribution has been no different. In Didier Deschamps side, where the stress is more on attack, than it is on defending, Pogba, along with N'Golo Kante, provide adequate protection for the defence.
Pogba faces less scrutiny playing for the national team than when he plays for United. With the tag of the Premier League's most expensive player on his head ever since he arrived and the huge weight of expectations, Pogba is either a hero or a scapegoat, almost never in between.
But the man's maturity when playing in national colours is what has stood out this time. He is no longer out to prove a point like he did at the 2016 Euro. His calmer, leader-like presence in the young French side has paid rich dividends for the team. Pogba's most notable contribution to this side has been to trigger attacks, using not just his long confident strides, but also the tactical nous he has developed over the years. He is less flashy, more utility for France now.
Kevin De Bruyne, on the other hand, has always been 100 per cent utility for his Manchester City team. Unassuming and cool, De Bruyne's rise from a Chelsea reject to one of the best players in the world has been a gradual one. It worked to his benefit, because he didn't have to face the media scrutiny that Pogba has always been subjected to.
De Bruyne is strong on the ball and, as was visible in the Brazil game, is more useful when deployed as an attacker, as his defensive contribution doesn't match up to what would be expected of a central midfielder. In the Pep Guardiola machinery, he is an excellent mover of the ball. In the national team under Roberto Martinez, he is a fearsome attacker.
There is no one quality that stands out for De Bruyne. Whether it be his passing, shooting, dribbling or positioning, he possesses them all in equal measure. Put them all together, and Belgium have a baby-faced monster on the pitch.
The two come head to head tonight and one of them will soon be lining up to play the biggest match of his life. And, considering how vital they both are to their teams, their fate lies in their own hands.