A tense semifinal clash between two of Europe’s footballing heavyweights at the Saint Petersburg Stadium saw France seal their progression to the final courtesy of a second half Samuel Umtiti header.
France knockout Cavani-less Uruguay
Raphael Varane and Antoine Griezmann scored either side..
In a game of few clear-cut chances between equally matched teams, the undeniable quality of the French team shone through in the end, to qualify for the final 20 years on from their triumphant campaign on home soil.
Belgium dominated much of the early proceedings with France happy to sit back and defend, trying to exploit the pace of Kylian Mbappe on the counter whenever they came in to possession.
Eden Hazard had a lively first quarter, dragging the first shot of the game across the face of goal and then forcing Raphael Varane to deflect a goal bound effort over the bar. Hugo Lloris then brilliantly denied Spurs teammate Toby Alderweireld from a corner kick as France hung on.
France grew into the game as the half progressed with Olivier Giroud failing to test the keeper from a couple of presentable chances, before Benjamin Pavard had France’s best chance of the game when he forced Courtois into a smart save with his legs; both goalkeepers playing a key part to keep it 0-0 at half time.
Half Time – France 0 – 0 Belgium
France got the second half off to a flyer, nicking the all-important first goal in the game 6 minutes into the second half when Samuel Umtiti headed home an Antoine Griezmann corner.
Clinical Belgium outlasts spirited Brazil
An own goal by Fernandhino and a stunner from Kevin De Bruyne..
Courtois then had to be alert to prevent a second as Mbappe, Giroud and Blaise Matuidi linked up well to test the Belgian backline.
Dries Mertens came on as a substitute for the Belgians on the hour mark and made an immediate impact, setting up a couple of chances for the frontline with some sublime crosses. However, a combination of poor finishing and good defending saw the score line remain unchanged during a testing period for the French defence.
Axel Witsel then had a long-range effort well saved by Lloris with the Belgian attacks growing more and more desperate as the clock ticked away.
France were able to hold fort though, and had a few opportunities on the counter to score themselves but were unable to stretch their advantage in a tense finale, where Courtois pulled off some great saves to keep Belgium in it till the end.
France ultimately held on to their slender advantage to seal their progression to the final in Moscow on 15th July.
Full Time – France 1 – 0 Belgium
Man of the Match – Samuel Umtiti
Goal Scorers
France – Samuel Umtiti 51’Bookings
Yellow Cards
France – N’golo Kante 87’, Kylian Mbappe 90+3’
Belgium – Eden Hazard 63’, Toby Alderweireld 71’, Jan Vertonghen 90+4’
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