The first semifinal of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia takes place at Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg as France and Belgium look to punch a ticket to the final in Moscow.
Now that Brazil is out of the tournament, after losing to Belgium, France has become the team to beat as oddsmakers consider them the favorites to take the FIFA trophy home.
France’s odds to win it all are now at +165, slightly better than Belgium’s +185. For the game the odds couldn’t be any closer as France is +135, Belgium is +165 and the draw (at the end of 90 minutes) is +190.
Probably France’s biggest question going into this crucial match against Belgium is their defense as they haven’t been really tested in the tournament and many wonder how solid it really is.
While Peru was a decent challenge, the games against Australia and Denmark are not good references as the Kangaroos don’t have an elite attack and the Danes did not try really hard as both teams played to a goalless draw when they were already both qualified to the round of 16.
Argentina scored three goals on them in the round of 16, but one of them was off a deflection and the other was scored very late during injury time when France was in control and leading 4-2.
It will be interesting to see if Raphael Varane and Samuel Umtiti deal with Romelu Lukaku and if Benjamin Pavard can contain Eden Hazard or Kevin De Bruyne.
Belgium’s biggest weakness is in the midfield with Nacer Chadli and Yannick Carrasco in the outside.
If France can force them back and make them defend, then they will control the middle of the field. Chadli struggles at defending so the French could then exploit that side of the field (like Japan did) and apply constant pressure from there.
As an extra assurance, the Franch can use N’Golo Kante in the middle to withstand the counter attacks that Belgium will try to escape the constant pressure from Le Bleus.
This should be a back and forth game with both teams taking turns to apply pressure on each other, and as a result, there should be plenty of scoring chances on both goals.
Since both countries have spectacular attacking pieces don’t expect them to just sit back and absorb some pressure. The winner will most likely be decided by the team that can defend better and manages to control the midfield.
Possible Lineups
France: Hugo Lloris; Lucas Hernandez, Samuel Umtiti, Raphael Varane, Benjamin Pavard; Ngolo Kante, Paul Pogba; Blaise Matuidi, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe; Olivier Giroud.
Belgium: Thibaut Courtois; Jan Vertonghen, Vincent Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen, Toby Alderweireld; Mousa Dembele, Axel Witsel, Kevin De Bruyne, Nacer Chadli; Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku.
France’s Road to the Semifinals
Group Stage
France 2 – 1 Australia
France 1 – 1 Peru
Denmark 0 – 0 France
Round of 16
France 4 – 3 Argentina
Quarterfinals
Uruguay 0 – 2 France
Belgium’s Road to the Semifinals
Group Stage
Belgium 3 – 0 Panama
Belgium 5 – 2 Tunisia
England 0 – 1 Belgium
Round of 16
Belgium 3 – 2 Japan
Quarterfinals
Brail 1 – 2 Belgium
