Paul Pogba can silence all critics against Belgium
By Harvey Cruz
Despite not recording a goal or an assist at this World Cup, Paul Pogba remains crucial for France. Against Belgium, he can prove his class once more.
As Kylian Mbappe fell to the ground following a brush with Uruguay’s Cristian Rodriguez, he was swarmed players in baby blue, angry at what they perceived to be a dive. France’s players quickly arrived on the scene, among them Paul Pogba, who grabbed Nahitan Nandez around the neck during the fracas. Pogba got lucky. Had he been booked, he would have been suspended for the semifinal against Belgium.
Didier Deschamps gave Pogba a talking to at the time. “Things got a bit heated and he had a yellow card and I didn’t want him to lose his temper and get a booking for not a lot,” he said in his post-match press conference. The manager was right to be concerned, such has been Pogba’s importance to Les Bleus so far this tournament.
Pogba has yet to score or assist a goal in five matches in Russia, yet remains a key part of how France play. Able to play in either a double-pivot or three-man midfield, his passing range, ability to receive the ball under pressure and carry it forward make a huge difference to a team more focused on defending than attacking. Nonetheless, critics remain.
The “world class” debate rumbles on. In Brazil four years ago, Pogba claimed the Best Young Player Award as a 21-year-old. Then, he was still a promising youngster excelling for Juventus. Following his big-money move to Manchester United, expectations have shifted. After a disappointing second season at Old Trafford, dominated by discussions about his best position, Pogba had an opportunity to silence his critics at the World Cup.
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Deschamps’ defense-first approach requires Pogba to rein in some of his more attacking instincts, but he’s playing with a freedom and confidence that was lacking at times during the club season. “He’s maturing, he’s growing, he’s been accumulating experience with Man United and Juventus,” Hugo Lloris said. “He’s starting to grow in the locker room as well, he’s a true leader, he’s very ambitious.”
In Brazil, France lost in the quarterfinals to eventual winners Germany. Two years ago, Pogba was heartbroken once more as Portugal took European glory away from them on home soil. With Belgium standing in their way of another final, Pogba knows time is ticking. He may never have a better chance to win a World Cup.
“Maybe it’s my last World Cup, we do not know,” he told reporters. “I’m really enjoying myself, I’m going to forget the critics, do my talking on the pitch as it’s the only answer … I give my best for my jersey, my team, for France. I really want to win this World Cup.”