France and Belgium set up a huge semi final matchup this coming Tuesday after tremendous wins in their respective matches in the quarterfinals. Read on for a preview of this showdown between two European superpowers below.
Le Bleus barged into the semifinals of the tournament after a clinical 2-0 win over Uruguay. Stopping Uruguay wasn’t the easiest thing to do in the world, but France were just all over La Celeste like sauce on spaghetti all throughout the contest. France controlled the possession 58 percent of the time and stuffing everything the Uruguayans were throwing at them. It helped France that Uruguay were missing striker Edinson Cavani, leaving Luis Suarez not much room to operate. In fact, Suarez didn’t have any touches at all. Belgium have plenty of talented pieces on offense, but France’s back line should hold its own with Samuel Umtiti and Raphael Varane. Speaking of Varane, he was the first to find the back of the net before Antione Griezmann supplied the insurance goal in the second half. Paul Pogba was a magic man for France, playing a big role in the midfield. It goes without saying that he needs to continue doing that this Tuesday against Belgium.
Betting on Belgium (+204 to win)
If it wasn’t clear already prior to the quarterfinals round, Belgium made it all too obvious that they’re here in Russia to win it all after bulldozing their way past pre-tournament favorite Brazil with a 2-1 win on Friday. Romelu Lukaku plowed over poor Brazil men on the attack, using his fantastic blend of physicality and nimbleness to break through Selecao’s defense none more obvious than when he assisted on Kevin De Bruyne to give the Red Devils a 2-0 lead. Still, there are a lot to be desired from Belgium’s performance, since Brazil picked apart the Red Devils’ defense but just couldn’t buy a goal. Brazil had shots on goal compared to only eight by Brazil, so in a sense, Belgium were lucky to come away with a victory. Belgium had the same shaky form against Japan before turning on the heat in the second half. It’s not always that lady luck will be winking at them, so Belgium had to pull it together against a very dangerous France side.
Writer’s Prediction
Belgium wins by a score of 2-1 and advances to the finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
