France and Belgium go head-to-head in the first Semi Final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in what is quite possibly the most anticipated match of the tournament.
Belgium have scored more goals than any other team in this tournament, while France have had more possession than any other team, meaning that this game could be a classic.
Didier Deschamps has built a side that possesses all the old France tools of pragmatism, organisation, and functionality.
However, this time around he has built upon an attacking policies and instilled a certain flair that past sides have never had.
He has also rejuvenated the squad by bringing in some much needed youth, making this current squad one of the youngest French teams.
They use a highly flexible and mobile formation which is one of their main weapons when counter attacking at speed.
Kylian Mbappe and Dembele provide the pace and power on the flanks, alongside frontman Olivier Giroud .
Ngolo Kante, Paul Pogba, and Antoine Griezmann form the central partnership, and are the axis upon which France turn.
They cover for each other and work in telepathic tandem and provide the team with a great energy as they attack and defend as a unit.
France road to the Semi-finals
Group Stage:
France 2-1 Australia
Peru 0-1 France
France 0-0 Denmark
Last 16
vs Argentina 4-3
Quarter Finals:
vs. Uruguay 2-0
Meanwhile, Belgium has arguably been the best team so far. They were one of the 3 teams that finished with a 100% record from the group stages.
The Red devils have scored the most number of goals in the tournament so far, 14 in total.
Hopes are high for a continuation of this kind of form when they face France in the semi final.
Their absolute faith they have shown in their fluid passing game and counter attack is what has got them this far in the tournament.
Coach Roberto Martinez has relied on striker Romelu Lukaku upfront this has reaped huge dividends for the Manchester United striker as he has scored four goals in four games.
Edin Hazard has produced match winning plays throughout the tournament and has proven to be the main man in which Belgium attacks are built.
Belgium road to the semis
Group stage
Belgium 3-0 Panama
Tunisia 2-5 Belgium
Belgium 1-0 England
Last 16
vs Japan 3-2
Quarter-finals
vs Brazil 2-1
Predicted Line ups
FRANCE BELGIUM
Hugo Lloris Thibaut Courtois
Raphael Varane Vincent Kompany
Lucas Hernandez Jan Vertonghen
Benjamin Pavard Toby Alderweireld
Samuel Umtiti Nacer Chadli
Blaise Matuidi Axel Witsel
Paul Pogba Marouane Fellaini
Antoine Griezmann Yannick Carrasco
Kylian Mbappe Kevin De Bruyne
N’Golo Kante Eden Hazard
Olivier Giroud Romelu Lukaku
Team News
Both teams have a clean health bill will all players available for selection
Belgium’s Thomas Meunier suspended for the semi-final
France midfielder Blaise Matuidi is expected to take his place in the starting line-up after missing the quarter-finals due to suspension
Match Facts
The two teams have met five times at the FIFA World Cups
The neighboring counties have met a massive 73 times since 1904 with Belgium winning 30 times, France claiming 24 victories while 19 matches ended as draws.
Belgium are riding on a 24 match unbeaten streak ahead of the semi final.
France will be playing in their 6th World Cup Semi final
France to win: 2.57
Belgium to win: 3.115
France and Belgium to draw after 90 minutes: 3.3